The Meaning of John 3:23 Explained

John 3:23

KJV: And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

YLT: and John was also baptizing in Aenon, nigh to Salem, because there were many waters there, and they were coming and were being baptized --

Darby: And John also was baptising in Aenon, near Salim, because there was a great deal of water there; and they came to him and were baptised:

ASV: And John also was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  John  also  was  baptizing  in  Aenon  near  to Salim,  because  there was  much  water  there:  and  they came,  and  were baptized. 

What does John 3:23 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The exact location of Aenon (lit. springs) near Salim is unknown today. The best evidence seems to point to a site just south of Scythopolis (Old Testament Beth-shan). [1] The other possible site was a few miles east of Sychar (near Old Testament Shechem). The first site is about15 miles south of the Sea of Galilee. The second is approximately midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Both are only a few miles west of the Jordan River. [2] John evidently chose the site for its abundant water that came from nearby springs. Many people were coming to him to express their repentance by undergoing water baptism.
". . . the importance of the note is to show that John moved from the south to the north, leaving Jesus to baptize in the area not distant from Jerusalem." [3]

Context Summary

John 3:22-30 - John Shows The Greatness Of Humility
It is expressly stated in John 4:2 that Jesus baptized through His disciples. This controversy arose with a Jew, who was comparing the respective baptisms of John and the Lord. Perhaps he stirred John's followers with jealousy as he contrasted the crowds that gathered round the new teacher with the waning popularity of the old. But the Baptist had no sense of being aggrieved. His answer is one of the noblest ever made by human lips: "My work has been definitely assigned to me. It has been enough for me to fulfill it. The rapture of the Bridegroom and His success in wooing hearts is not for me. It is enough to behold His joy. He must increase, and I must decrease, but I sorrow not. Indeed, my joy is filled to the brim because of His success."
What a blessing it would be if we could enshrine in our hearts this immortal maxim: A man can receive nothing except it have been given him from heaven! What we have is God's gift; let us hold it reverently. What another person has is God's gift to him; we have no right to find fault with His dealings with another of His servants. Our orbits are distinct; all we have to do is to shine our brightest where He has placed us, confident that He knows best. [source]

Chapter Summary: John 3

1  Jesus teaches Nicodemus the necessity of being born again,
14  of faith in his death,
16  the great love of God toward the world,
18  and the condemnation for unbelief
22  Jesus baptizes in Judea
23  The baptism, witness, and doctrine of John concerning Jesus

Greek Commentary for John 3:23

John was also baptizing [ην δε και ο Ιωανης βαπτιζων]
Periphrastic imperfect picturing the continued activity of the Baptist simultaneous with the growing work of Jesus. There was no real rivalry except in people‘s minds. In Aenon near to Salim It is not clearly known where this place was. Eusebius locates it in the Jordan valley south of Beisan west of the river where are many springs (fountains, eyes). There is a place called Salim east of Shechem in Samaria with a village called Aimen, but with no water there. There may have been water there then, of course. Because there was much water there “Because many waters were there.” Not for drinking, but for baptizing. “Therefore even in summer baptism by immersion could be continued” (Marcus Dods). And they came, and were baptized Imperfects both, one middle and the other passive, graphically picturing the long procession of pilgrims who came to John confessing their sins and receiving baptism at his hands. [source]
Was baptizing [ἦν βαπτίζων]
The substantive verb with the participle also indicating continuous or habitual action; was engaged in baptizing. [source]
Aenon, near to Salim []
The situation is a matter of conjecture. The word, Aenon is probably akin to the Hebrew ayin an eye, a spring. See on James 3:11. [source]
Much water [ὕδατα πολλὰ]
Literally, many waters. Probably referring to a number of pools or springs. [source]
Came - were baptized []
Imperfects. They kept coming. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 3:23

John 13:34 Commandment [ἐντολὴν]
The word for a single commandment or injunction, but used also for the whole body of the moral precepts of Christianity. See 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Peter 2:21; 2 Peter 3:2. See also on James 2:8. This new commandment embodies the essential principle of the whole law. Compare also 1 John 3:23. Some interpreters instead of taking that ye love one another, etc., as the definition of the commandment, explain the commandment as referring to the ordinance of the Holy Communion, and render, “a new commandment (to observe this ordinance) I give unto you, in order that ye love one another.” It is, however, more than improbable, and contrary to usage, that the Holy Supper should be spoken of as ἐντολὴ acommandment. [source]
Hebrews 7:2 Salem []
Commonly regarded as the site of Jerusalem. It has also been supposed to represent Σαλείμ Salimmentioned in John 3:23. Jerome says that the place retained that name in his day, and that the ruins of Melchisedec's palace were shown there. The ancient name of Jerusalem was Jebus. Others, again, suppose that Salem is not the name of a place, but is merely the appellation of Melchisedec. The passage in Genesis, however, points to a place, and the writer might naturally have desired to indicate the typical meaning of the city over which Melchisedec reigned. [source]
1 John 5:11 Hath given [ἔδωκεν]
The aorist tense, gave. So Rev. The reference is to the historic fact of the gift. So 1 John 3:23: “We should love one another as He gave ( ἔδωκεν ) us commandment.” 1 John 3:24: “We know that He abideth in us by the Spirit which He gave ( ἔδωκεν ) us.” On the other hand, 1 John 3:1: “Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed ( δέδωκεν ) upon us.” The gift of love abides in the fact that we are now children of God (1 John 3:2). [source]
1 John 3:3 Every man that hath [πᾶς ὁ ἔχων]
A characteristic form of expression with John, containing “a reference to some who had questioned the application of a general principle in particular cases.” Here to some persons who had denied the practical obligation to moral purity involved in their hope. See 1 John 3:4, 1 John 3:6, 1 John 3:9, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:23, 1 John 3:24; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:4, 1 John 5:18; 2 John 1:9. [source]
1 John 1:7 One with another [μετ ' ἀλλήλων]
Not, we with God and God with us, but with our brethren. Fellowship with God exhibits and proves itself by fellowship with Christians. See 1 John 4:7, 1 John 4:12; 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:23. [source]
1 John 2:12 I write [γραπω]
Present active indicative, repeated three times, referring to this Epistle. For “the name” see 1 John 3:23; 3 John 1:7. They were loyal to the name of Christ (Matthew 10:22). [source]
1 John 5:11 That God gave [οτι εδωκεν ο τεος]
Declarative οτι — hoti in apposition with μαρτυρια — marturia as in 1 John 5:14; John 3:19. Note aorist active indicative εδωκεν — edōken (from διδωμι — didōmi) as in 1 John 3:23., the great historic fact of the Incarnation (John 3:16), but the perfect δεδωκεν — dedōken in 1 John 3:1 to emphasize the abiding presence of God‘s love. [source]
1 John 5:13 That ye may know [ινα ειδητε]
Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the second perfect active subjunctive of οιδα — oida to know with settled intuitive knowledge. He wishes them to have eternal life in Christ (John 20:31) and to know that they have it, but not with flippant superficiality (1 John 2:3.).Unto you that believe on (τοις πιστευουσιν εις — tois pisteuousin eis). Dative of the articular present active participle of πιστευω — pisteuō and εις — eis as in 1 John 5:10. For this use of ονομα — onoma (name) with πιστευω — pisteuō see 1 John 3:23; John 2:23. [source]
1 John 5:13 Unto you that believe on [τοις πιστευουσιν εις]
Dative of the articular present active participle of πιστευω — pisteuō and εις — eis as in 1 John 5:10. For this use of ονομα — onoma (name) with πιστευω — pisteuō see 1 John 3:23; John 2:23. [source]
1 John 1:7 Of Jesus Christ His Son []
Omit Christ. The human name, Jesus, shows that His blood is available for man. The divine name, His Son, shows that it is efficacious. I shall be rendering a service to students of John's Epistles by giving, in a condensed form, Canon Westcott's note, classifying the several names of our Lord and their uses in the Epistles. The name in John, as in the Bible elsewhere, has two distinct, but closely connected meanings. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. The Revelation of the Divine Being by a special title. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. The whole sum of the manifold revelations gathered up so as to form one supreme revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The latter sense is illustrated in 3 John 1:7, where “the name” absolutely includes the essential elements of the Christian creed, the complete revelation of Christ's work in relation to God and man. Compare John 20:31; Acts 5:41. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 2:12, the term is more limited, referring to Christ as He lived on earth and gave Himself for “the brethren.” In 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:13, the exact sense is defined by what follows. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Actual Names Used. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(I.) His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 5:20. The divine antecedent is differently described in each case, and the difference colors the phrase. In 1 John 1:2-3, the Father (compare 1John href="/desk/?q=1jo+3:23&sr=1">1 John 3:23, God. In 1 John 5:20, He that is true. Thus the sonship of Christ is regarded in relation to God as Father, as God, and as satisfying the divine ideal which man is able to form. The whole phrase, His Son Jesus Christ, includes the two elements of the confessions which John makes prominent. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
1. Jesus is the Son of God (John 4:15; John 5:5). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
2. Jesus is the Christ (John 2:22; John 5:1). -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The constituents of the compressed phrase are all used separately by John. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(1.) Jesus. 1 John 2:22; 1 John 5:1; 1 John 4:3(where the correct reading omits Christ). The thought is that of the Lord in His perfect historic humanity. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(2.) Christ. 2 John 1:9. Pointing to the preparation made under the old covenant. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(3). Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:1; 1 John 5:6; 2 John 1:7. Combining the ideas of true humanity and messianic position. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In 1 John 4:15, the reading is doubtful: Jesus or Jesus Christ. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
On 1 John 4:2, see note. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(4.) The Son. 1 John 2:22, 1 John 2:23, 1 John 2:24; 1 John 4:14; 1 John 5:12. The absolute relation of Sonship to Fatherhood. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(5.) The Son of God. 1 John 3:8; 1 John 5:10, 1 John 5:12, 1 John 5:13, 1 John 5:20. Compare His Son (1 John 4:10; 1 John 5:9), where the immediate antecedent is ὁ Θεός Godand 1 John 5:18, He that was begotten of God. Combination of the ideas of Christ's divine dignity and divine sonship. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(6.) Jesus His (God's) Son. 1 John 1:7. Two truths. The blood of Christ is available and efficacious. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
(7). His (God's) Son, His only Son. 1 John 4:9. The uniqueness of the gift is the manifestation of love. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The Son in various forms is eminently characteristic of the First and Second Epistles, in which it occurs more times than in all Paul's Epistles. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Κύριος Lordis not found in the Epistles (omit from 2 John 1:3), but occurs in the Gospel, and often in Revelation. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The expression, the blood of Jesus His Son, is chosen with a profound insight. Though Ignatius uses the phrase blood of God yet the word blood is inappropriate to the Son conceived in His divine nature. The word Jesus brings out His human nature, in which He assumed a real body of flesh and blood, which blood was shed for us.Cleanseth ( καθαρίζει )See on Mark 7:19. Not only forgives but removes. Compare Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:13sq.; Hebrews 9:22sq.; Ephesians 5:26sq.; Matthew 5:8; 1 John 3:3. Compare also 1 John 1:9, where, forgive ( ἀφῇ ) and cleanse ( καθαρίσῃ ) occur, with an obvious difference of meaning. Note the present tense cleanseth. The cleansing is present and continuous. Alexander (Bishop of Derry) cites a striking passage from Victor Hugo (“Le Parricide”). The usurper Canute, who has had a share in his father's death, expiring after a virtuous and glorious reign, walks towards the light of heaven. But first he cuts with his sword a shroud of snow from the top of Mt. Savo. As he advances towards heaven, a cloud forms, and drop by drop his shroud is soaked with a rain of blood.All sin ( πάσης ἁμαρτίας )The principle of sin in all its forms and manifestations; not the separate manifestations. Compare all joy (James 1:2); all patience (2 Corinthians 7:12); all wisdom (Ephesians 1:8); all diligence (2 Peter 1:5). [source]

2 John 1:4 Greatly [λιαν]
Only here and 3 John 1:3 in John‘s writings.I have found (ευρηκα — heurēka). Perfect active indicative of ευρισκω — heuriskō as in John 1:41, our “eureka,” here with its usual force, a continued discovery. “He sits down at once and writes to Kyria. How glad she would be that her lads, far away in the great city, were true to their early faith” (David Smith).Certain of thy children No τινας — tinas as one would expect before εκ — ek a not infrequent idiom in the N.T. (John 16:17).Walking (περιπατουντας — peripatountas). Present active accusative supplementary participle agreeing with τινας — tinas understood. Probably members of the church off here in Ephesus.In truth As in 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:4.We received (ελαβομεν — elabomen). Second aorist active (possibly, though not certainly, literary plural) of λαμβανω — lambanō This very idiom (εντολην λαμβανω — entolēn lambanō) in John 10:18; Acts 17:15; Colossians 4:10. Perhaps the reference here is to 1 John 2:7.; 1 John 3:23. [source]
2 John 1:4 Certain of thy children [εκ των τεκνων]
No τινας — tinas as one would expect before εκ — ek a not infrequent idiom in the N.T. (John 16:17).Walking (περιπατουντας — peripatountas). Present active accusative supplementary participle agreeing with τινας — tinas understood. Probably members of the church off here in Ephesus.In truth As in 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:4.We received (ελαβομεν — elabomen). Second aorist active (possibly, though not certainly, literary plural) of λαμβανω — lambanō This very idiom (εντολην λαμβανω — entolēn lambanō) in John 10:18; Acts 17:15; Colossians 4:10. Perhaps the reference here is to 1 John 2:7.; 1 John 3:23. [source]
2 John 1:4 In truth [εν αλητειαι]
As in 2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:4.We received (ελαβομεν — elabomen). Second aorist active (possibly, though not certainly, literary plural) of λαμβανω — lambanō This very idiom (εντολην λαμβανω — entolēn lambanō) in John 10:18; Acts 17:15; Colossians 4:10. Perhaps the reference here is to 1 John 2:7.; 1 John 3:23. [source]
2 John 1:4 We received [ελαβομεν]
Second aorist active (possibly, though not certainly, literary plural) of λαμβανω — lambanō This very idiom (εντολην λαμβανω — entolēn lambanō) in John 10:18; Acts 17:15; Colossians 4:10. Perhaps the reference here is to 1 John 2:7.; 1 John 3:23. [source]
2 John 1:5 Lady [κυρια]
Vocative case and in the same sense as in 2 John 1:1.As though I wrote (ως γραπων — hōs graphōn). Common idiom ως — hōs with the participle (present active) for the alleged reason.New As in 1 John 2:7., which see.We had (ειχαμεν — eichamen). Imperfect active (late α — ̇a form like ειχαν — eichan in Mark 8:7) of εχω — echō and note ειχετε — eichete with απ αρχης — ap' archēs in 1 John 2:7. Not literary plural, John identifying all Christians with himself in this blessing.That we love one another Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
2 John 1:5 New [καινην]
As in 1 John 2:7., which see.We had (ειχαμεν — eichamen). Imperfect active (late α — ̇a form like ειχαν — eichan in Mark 8:7) of εχω — echō and note ειχετε — eichete with απ αρχης — ap' archēs in 1 John 2:7. Not literary plural, John identifying all Christians with himself in this blessing.That we love one another Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
2 John 1:5 That we love one another [ινα αγαπωμεν αλληλους]
Either a final clause after ερωτω — erōtō as in John 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην — entolēn like 1 John 2:27; 1 John 3:23 and like 2 John 1:6. [source]
2 John 1:6 The commandment [η εντολη]
The one just mentioned with the same construction with ινα — hina as in 1 John 3:23. John changes from the first person plural to the second (ηκουσατε — ēkousate as in 1 John 2:7, περιπατητε — peripatēte) as in 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:7. [source]
2 John 1:6 That we should walk [ινα περιπατωμεν]
Object clause in nominative case in apposition with αγαπη — agapē with ινα — hina and the present active subjunctive of περιπατεω — peripateō “that we keep on walking.”The commandment (η εντολη — hē entolē). The one just mentioned with the same construction with ινα — hina as in 1 John 3:23. John changes from the first person plural to the second (ηκουσατε — ēkousate as in 1 John 2:7, περιπατητε — peripatēte) as in 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:7.In it Either to αλητειαι — alētheiāi (truth) of 2 John 1:4, αγαπη — agapē of this verse, or εντολη — entolē of this verse. Either makes good sense, probably “in love.” With περιπατεω — peripateō (walk) we have often εν — en (1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:11, etc.) or κατα — kata (according to) as in Mark 7:5; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 10:2, etc. [source]

What do the individual words in John 3:23 mean?

Was now also - John baptizing in Aenon near - Salim because waters many were there and they were coming being baptized
Ἦν δὲ καὶ ‹ὁ› Ἰωάννης βαπτίζων ἐν Αἰνὼν ἐγγὺς τοῦ Σαλείμ ὅτι ὕδατα πολλὰ ἦν ἐκεῖ καὶ παρεγίνοντο ἐβαπτίζοντο

δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
καὶ  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: καί  
Sense: and, also, even, indeed, but.
‹ὁ›  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰωάννης  John 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰωάννης 
Sense: John the Baptist was the son of Zacharias and Elisabeth, the forerunner of Christ.
βαπτίζων  baptizing 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: βαπτίζω  
Sense: to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk).
Αἰνὼν  Aenon 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Αἰνών  
Sense: the name of a place “near to Salim” at which John baptised.
ἐγγὺς  near 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐγγύς  
Sense: near, of place and position.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Σαλείμ  Salim 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: Σαλίμ  
Sense: a well known town 8 miles ( km) south of Scythopolis.
ὅτι  because 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ὕδατα  waters 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: ὕδωρ  
Sense: water.
πολλὰ  many 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
παρεγίνοντο  they  were  coming 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Plural
Root: παραγίνομαι  
Sense: to be present, to come near, approach.
ἐβαπτίζοντο  being  baptized 
Parse: Verb, Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Plural
Root: βαπτίζω  
Sense: to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk).