📖 Matthew — Chapter 3 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Red lettering identifies words spoken by Jesus; it is an editorial reading aid. Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Matthew 3:1 In Rthose days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Matthew 3:2 And saying, RRepent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, RPrepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matthew 3:4 And the same John had Rhis raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
Matthew 3:6 And Rwere baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of Rthe Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Matthew 3:8 Bring Rforth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Matthew 3:9 And Rthink not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Matthew 3:10 And Rnow also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. Rbut he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matthew 3:12 Whose Rfan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Matthew 3:14 But RJohn forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, RSuffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Matthew 3:16 And RJesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, RThis is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 3:1–6 — John calls for repentance in the wilderness
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
John announces the approaching kingdom and calls people to repentance. His wilderness ministry fulfills the preparing voice, and those baptized confess their sins.
Key Truth: Receive preparation for the Lord with honest repentance.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “In ____ days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of …” (Matthew 3:1)
Find it in Matthew 3:1 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “And the ____ John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern …” (Matthew 3:4)
Find it in Matthew 3:4 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “And ____ baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.” (Matthew 3:6)
Find it in Matthew 3:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 3:7–12 — Repentance must bear fruit
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
John challenges religious leaders to produce fruit rather than rely on descent from Abraham. He announces a mightier coming one whose work includes the Holy Ghost and judgment.
Key Truth: Do not substitute inherited status for a changed life.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “… of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the ____ to come?” (Matthew 3:7)
Find it in Matthew 3:7 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “And now also the axe is ____ unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which …” (Matthew 3:10)
Find it in Matthew 3:10 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “Whose fan is in his ____ , and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather …” (Matthew 3:12)
Find it in Matthew 3:12 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Matthew 3:13–17 — Jesus is baptized and identified as the beloved Son
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Jesus comes to John, answers his objection concerning baptism, and speaks of fulfilling righteousness. The Spirit descends and a heavenly voice declares the Father’s pleasure in his Son.
Key Truth: Attend to the Father’s testimony concerning Jesus.
Check What You Remember
1. Complete the KJV wording: “____ cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be …” (Matthew 3:13)
Find it in Matthew 3:13 (KJV).
2. Complete the KJV wording: “… so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all ____ . Then he suffered him.” (Matthew 3:15)
Find it in Matthew 3:15 (KJV).
3. Complete the KJV wording: “… lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved ____ , in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Find it in Matthew 3:17 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Isaiah 40:3 — Matthew identifies John with the wilderness voice preparing the Lord’s way.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What fruit would show an honest response to the call to repentance?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 3:1–6 (John calls for repentance in the wilderness) from the other movements of this chapter?
2. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 3:7–12 (Repentance must bear fruit) from the other movements of this chapter?
3. Which account best distinguishes Matthew 3:13–17 (Jesus is baptized and identified as the beloved Son) from the other movements of this chapter?
4. What should demonstrate the reality of repentance?
5. What does the heavenly voice declare about Jesus?
Notes
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