New International Version and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” New Living Translation and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” English Standard Version and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Berean Standard Bible and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Berean Literal Bible and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a bodily form as a dove. And a voice came out of heaven: “You are My Son, the Beloved; in You I was well pleased.” King James Bible And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. New King James Version And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” New American Standard Bible and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.” NASB 1995 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” NASB 1977 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased.” Legacy Standard Bible and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” Amplified Bible and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “You are My Son, My Beloved, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” Berean Annotated Bible and the Holy Spirit {Hagion Pneuma} descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved {agapētos} Son; in You I am well pleased. Christian Standard Bible and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” Holman Christian Standard Bible and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You! American Standard Version and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son: in thee I am well pleased. Contemporary English Version and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you." English Revised Version and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. GOD'S WORD® Translation and the Holy Spirit came down to him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven said, "You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you." Good News Translation and the Holy Spirit came down upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my own dear Son. I am pleased with you." International Standard Version and the Holy Spirit descended on him, appearing in the form of a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "You are my Son, whom I love. I am pleased with you!" NET Bible and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight." New Heart English Bible and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying "You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased." Webster's Bible Translation And the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Weymouth New Testament and the Holy Spirit came down in bodily shape, like a dove, upon Him, and a voice came from Heaven, which said, "Thou art My Son, dearly loved: in Thee is My delight." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” World English Bible and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the Holy Spirit came down in a bodily appearance, as if a dove, on Him, and a voice came out of Heaven, saying, “You are My Son, the Beloved, in You I delighted.” Berean Literal Bible and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in a bodily form as a dove. And a voice came out of heaven: “You are My Son, the Beloved; in You I was well pleased.” Young's Literal Translation and the Holy Spirit came down in a bodily appearance, as if a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, saying, 'Thou art My Son -- the Beloved, in thee I did delight.' Smith's Literal Translation And the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove upon him, and there was a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my dearly loved Son; in thee I was contented. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. Catholic Public Domain Version And the Holy Spirit, in a corporal appearance like a dove, descended upon him. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son. In you, I am well pleased.” New American Bible and the holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” New Revised Standard Version and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Holy Spirit descended on him, like a dove, and a voice from heaven, saying, You are my beloved Son, with whom I am pleased. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And The Spirit of Holiness was descending upon him in the form of a body of a dove, and there was a voice from Heaven, which said, “You are My Son, The Beloved, in whom I am delighted.” NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand the Holy Spirit descended upon him, in a bodily form, like a dove; and there came a voice from heaven, which said: Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I delight. Godbey New Testament and the Holy Spirit in bodily appearance like a dove descended on Him; and there was a voice from heaven, saying; Thou art my beloved Son, I am delighted in Thee. Haweis New Testament and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily form, like a dove, upon him, and a voice came from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased. Mace New Testament and the holy spirit descended upon him in a corporeal form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved son, in thee I am well pleased. Weymouth New Testament and the Holy Spirit came down in bodily shape, like a dove, upon Him, and a voice came from Heaven, which said, "Thou art My Son, dearly loved: in Thee is My delight." Worrell New Testament and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form, as a dove; and a voice came out of Heaven, "Thou art My Son, the Beloved, in Whom I delighted." Worsley New Testament the heaven was opened, and the holy Spirit descended in a corporeal form, like a dove upon Him, and there came a voice from heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Baptism of Jesus21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” 23Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,… Cross References the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. Mark 1:10 As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. John 1:32 Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice came from heaven: John 12:28 Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” Matthew 17:5 While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” Luke 9:35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!” “You are My beloved Son; Mark 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!” Psalm 2:7 I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. in You I am well pleased.” 2 Peter 1:17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 12:18 “Here is My Servant, whom I have chosen, My beloved, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. Acts 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. John 3:34 For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. Hebrews 1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father”? Or again: “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son”? John 5:37 And the Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me. You have never heard His voice nor seen His form, Treasury of Scripture And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove on him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased. Thou art. Luke 9:34,35 While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud… Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. Jump to Previous Appearance Baptized Beloved Bodily Dearly Delight Descended Dove Form Found Ghost Heaven Holy Jesus Love Pleased Praying Shape Sky Spirit Voice Well-PleasedJump to Next Appearance Baptized Beloved Bodily Dearly Delight Descended Dove Form Found Ghost Heaven Holy Jesus Love Pleased Praying Shape Sky Spirit Voice Well-PleasedLuke 3 1. The preaching and baptism of John;15. his testimony of Jesus; 19. Herod imprisons John; 21. Jesus, baptized, receives testimony from heaven. 23. The age and genealogy of Jesus from Joseph upwards. and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit visibly came upon Him, publicly marking Him as the Messiah anointed for His saving mission. The bodily appearance confirmed that the event was real and witnessed, not merely an inward experience. The dove-like manifestation recalls the Spirit hovering over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2) and signals the beginning of God’s new-creation work through Christ. Jesus, though sinless and fully obedient, entered the waters in identification with the people He came to redeem. The Spirit’s descent fulfills the promise that the Messiah would minister in the power of the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1). Mat 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.… And a voice came from heaven: God the Father spoke audibly, bearing witness to the identity of His Son. The baptism of Jesus reveals the three persons of the Trinity acting in perfect unity: the Son stands in the water, the Spirit descends upon Him, and the Father speaks from heaven. The Father’s testimony established divine approval before Jesus began His public ministry and before He faced temptation in the wilderness. Jhn 12:28 “Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven:…… “You are My beloved Son; The Father identified Jesus as His unique and eternal Son, not merely as a prophet, teacher, or earthly king. The words also echo Psalm 2, where God’s anointed King rules the nations by divine appointment. Jesus is the promised Son of David and the greater King whose kingdom will never end. Mrk 1:11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son;… in You I am well pleased.” The Father delighted in the Son’s perfect righteousness, obedience, and willingness to fulfill the work of redemption. Isaiah had foretold the Lord’s pleasure in His chosen Servant upon whom He would put His Spirit (Isaiah 42:1). Jesus began His ministry under the Father’s approval, and His obedience would lead Him ultimately to the cross, where He would bear sin and accomplish salvation for His people. 2Pe 1:17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father… Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is being baptized by John the Baptist. This event marks the beginning of His public ministry. 2. Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in a bodily form like a dove, symbolizing divine approval and empowerment for His ministry. 3. Heavenly Voice The voice of God the Father speaks from heaven, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son and expressing divine pleasure in Him. 4. Jordan River The location where Jesus is baptized by John, a significant site for Jewish purification rituals and symbolic of new beginnings. 5. John the Baptist The forerunner of Christ, who baptizes Jesus, fulfilling his role in preparing the way for the Messiah. Teaching Points Divine AffirmationThe baptism of Jesus is a moment of divine affirmation, where God publicly declares His pleasure in His Son. Believers can find assurance in their identity as children of God, affirmed by the Holy Spirit. Role of the Holy Spirit The descent of the Holy Spirit signifies empowerment for ministry. Christians are reminded of the necessity of the Holy Spirit's presence and power in their lives for effective service. Symbolism of the Dove The dove represents peace, purity, and the gentle nature of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to embody these attributes in their walk with Christ. Trinitarian Presence This passage highlights the presence of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It serves as a foundation for understanding the relational nature of God and the unity within the Godhead. Obedience and Humility Jesus' submission to baptism, despite His sinlessness, exemplifies humility and obedience. Christians are encouraged to follow His example in submitting to God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 3:22?2. How does Luke 3:22 affirm Jesus' divine identity and mission? 3. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit descending "like a dove"? 4. How can we seek to hear God's voice in our daily lives? 5. How does God's declaration in Luke 3:22 connect to Old Testament prophecies? 6. In what ways can we model our lives after Jesus' example in Luke 3:22? 7. How does Luke 3:22 affirm the concept of the Trinity? 8. Why is the Holy Spirit depicted as a dove in Luke 3:22? 9. What is the significance of God's voice in Luke 3:22? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 3? What Does Luke 3:22 Mean The Holy Spirit descended on Him• At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit comes down, publicly equipping Him for ministry (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38). • John the Baptist had been told to look for this very sign (John 1:32-33), so the moment confirms Jesus as the promised Messiah. • What began in Nazareth’s manger is now launched in full view of Israel—a divine affirmation that every subsequent word and work of Jesus carries heaven’s authority. In a bodily form like a dove • The Spirit does not merely “inspire feeling”; He is seen “in a bodily form,” underscoring that this was a real, historical event. • The dove suggests gentleness, purity, and peace (Genesis 8:8-12), qualities Jesus will display throughout His earthly mission (Matthew 11:29). • For Israel, a dove also recalled sacrificial offerings the poor could afford (Leviticus 5:7); fittingly, the Savior identifies with the lowliest. A voice came from heaven • Scripture often pairs visible glory with audible revelation (Exodus 19:19; John 12:28), leaving no doubt that God Himself is speaking. • The Father’s voice validates Jesus before the gathered crowd, so the testimony is communal, not private (Deuteronomy 19:15). • The three Persons of the Trinity are present simultaneously—Father speaking, Son being baptized, Spirit descending—offering a clear snapshot of the Godhead’s unity and distinctness (2 Corinthians 13:14). You are My beloved Son • The phrase alludes to Psalm 2:7, announcing the long-awaited King. • “Beloved” highlights the eternal relationship within the Trinity (John 17:24) and assures us that redemption flows from divine love, not mere duty (John 3:16). • By calling Jesus “Son,” the Father affirms His full deity (John 5:18; Hebrews 1:5) even as Jesus stands in humble solidarity with sinners in the Jordan. In You I am well pleased • Echoes Isaiah 42:1, the prophecy of the Servant in whom God delights—linking Messiah’s kingship with servanthood. • The Father’s pleasure rests on Jesus before the first miracle or sermon, proving that approval is rooted in His person and righteousness, not in performance (John 8:29; 1 Peter 2:22). • Because the Father is pleased with the Son, all who are “in Christ” share that favor (Ephesians 1:6), providing the believer with unshakable assurance. summary Luke 3:22 captures a climactic unveiling of the Trinity: the Spirit descends, the Father speaks, and the Son stands ready to fulfill His saving mission. The scene certifies Jesus’ identity, equips Him for ministry, and announces divine approval. Because heaven delights in the Son, those who trust in Him can live and serve with the same confidence that the Father’s pleasure now rests on them. (22) In a bodily shape.—The words are peculiar to St. Luke, and tend to confirm the traditional symbolism which finds in the dove the emblem of the Holy Spirit. They, at least, fall in naturally with this view; but the other construction, that the Holy Spirit descended, after the manner of a dove, first hovering and then resting, in a bodily form (undefined) of some sort, is, at least, not excluded.Greek andκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Holy Ἅγιον (Hagion) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 40: Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. Spirit Πνεῦμα (Pneuma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit. descended καταβῆναι (katabēnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend. on ἐπ’ (ep’) Preposition Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at. Him αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. in a bodily σωματικῷ (sōmatikō) Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 4984: Bodily, corporeal. From soma; corporeal or physical. form εἴδει (eidei) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular Strong's 1491: Visible form, shape, appearance, outward show, kind, species, class. From eido; a view, i.e. Form. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. a dove. περιστερὰν (peristeran) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4058: A dove, pigeon. Of uncertain derivation; a pigeon. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. a voice φωνὴν (phōnēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5456: Probably akin to phaino through the idea of disclosure; a tone; by implication, an address, saying or language. came γενέσθαι (genesthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. from ἐξ (ex) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. heaven: οὐρανοῦ (ouranou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. “You Σὺ (Sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. are εἶ (ei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. beloved ἀγαπητός (agapētos) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 27: From agapao; beloved. Son; Υἱός (Huios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. You σοὶ (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. I am well pleased.” εὐδόκησα (eudokēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 2106: To be well-pleased, think it good, be resolved. From eu and dokeo; to think well of, i.e. Approve; specially, to approbate. Additonal Resources Luke 3:22 Blue Letter BibleLuke 3:22 Bible Gateway Luke 3:22 Bible.com Luke 3:22 NIV |
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