John 4:2
New International Version
although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.

New Living Translation
(though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did).

English Standard Version
(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),

Berean Standard Bible
(although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples),

Berean Literal Bible
(although indeed Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples),

King James Bible
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

New King James Version
(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),

New American Standard Bible
(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing; rather, His disciples were),

NASB 1995
(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),

NASB 1977
(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),

Legacy Standard Bible
(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),

Amplified Bible
(although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),

Christian Standard Bible
(though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were),

Holman Christian Standard Bible
(though Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were),

American Standard Version
(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),

Contemporary English Version
But Jesus' disciples were really the ones doing the baptizing, and not Jesus himself.

English Revised Version
(although Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples),

GOD'S WORD® Translation
(Actually, Jesus was not baptizing people. His disciples were.)

Good News Translation
Actually, Jesus himself did not baptize anyone; only his disciples did.)

International Standard Version
although it was not Jesus who did the baptizing but his disciples—

Majority Standard Bible
(although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples),

NET Bible
(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples were),

New Heart English Bible
(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples),

Webster's Bible Translation
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Weymouth New Testament
though Jesus Himself did not baptize them, but His disciples did--

World English Bible
(although Jesus himself didn’t baptize, but his disciples),
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
(though indeed Jesus Himself was not immersing, but His disciples),

Berean Literal Bible
(although indeed Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples),

Young's Literal Translation
(though indeed Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples,)

Smith's Literal Translation
(Though Jesus himself immersed not, but his disciples,)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
(Though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples,)

Catholic Public Domain Version
(though Jesus himself was not baptizing, but only his disciples)

New American Bible
(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, just his disciples),

New Revised Standard Version
—although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized—
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Though Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples;

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
When it was not Yeshua himself baptizing, but his disciples.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
(though not Jesus himself, but his disciples immersed,)

Godbey New Testament
(truly Jesus himself was not baptizing, but His disciples),

Haweis New Testament
(though Jesus himself did not baptise, but his disciples),

Mace New Testament
(though Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples) he left Judea,

Weymouth New Testament
though Jesus Himself did not baptize them, but His disciples did--

Worrell New Testament
(although Jesus Himself did not immerse, but His disciples),

Worsley New Testament
(though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but his disciples,)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus and the Samaritan Woman
1When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John 2(although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), 3He left Judea and returned to Galilee.…

Cross References
John 3:22-26
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the Judean countryside, where He spent some time with them and baptized. / Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because the water was plentiful there, and people kept coming to be baptized. / (For John had not yet been thrown into prison.) ...

John 1:33
I myself did not know Him, but the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’

Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Mark 1:8
I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16
John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Acts 1:5
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 10:47
“Can anyone withhold the water to baptize these people? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have!”

Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 1:14-17
I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, / so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. / Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. ...

Matthew 28:19
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:12-16
But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. / Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip closely and was astounded by the great signs and miracles he observed. / When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. ...

Acts 18:8
Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard the message believed and were baptized.

Romans 6:3-4
Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

1 Corinthians 1:13-17
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? …

Jump to Previous
Although Baptise Baptism Baptize Baptized Baptizing Disciples Fact However Indeed Jesus
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Although Baptise Baptism Baptize Baptized Baptizing Disciples Fact However Indeed Jesus
John 4
1. Jesus talks with a woman of Samaria, and reveals his identity to her.
27. His disciples marvel.
31. He declares to them his zeal for God's glory.
39. Many Samaritans believe on him.
43. He departs into Galilee, and heals the ruler's son that lay sick at Capernaum.














although it was not Jesus who baptized
This phrase clarifies that Jesus Himself did not perform the act of baptism. This distinction highlights the role of Jesus as the spiritual leader and teacher, focusing on His mission to preach and teach rather than perform rituals. It also emphasizes the delegation of responsibilities to His disciples, which is consistent with the practice of training and empowering followers to carry on His work. This delegation is seen throughout the Gospels, where Jesus prepares His disciples for their future roles in spreading the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Theologically, this can be seen as a precursor to the Great Commission, where the disciples are sent out to baptize all nations.

but His disciples
The involvement of the disciples in baptizing indicates their active participation in Jesus' ministry. This practice of baptism by the disciples aligns with the Jewish tradition of ritual purification, which was familiar to the people of that time. It also signifies the beginning of the disciples' transition from learners to leaders, as they take on responsibilities that will later define their apostolic mission. This act of baptizing by the disciples can be seen as a type of the future church, where believers are called to be active participants in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). The disciples' role in baptism also foreshadows the establishment of the early church, where baptism becomes a central sacrament of initiation into the Christian faith (Acts 2:38-41).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the Gospel of John, the Son of God, who came to bring salvation to humanity. In this verse, it is noted that He did not personally baptize.

2. Disciples
Followers of Jesus who were tasked with baptizing new believers. This highlights their role in the ministry and the delegation of responsibilities by Jesus.

3. Judea
The region where Jesus and His disciples were ministering before moving to Galilee. This geographical context is important for understanding the movement and ministry of Jesus.

4. Baptism
A significant Christian sacrament symbolizing purification and admission into the faith. The act of baptizing by the disciples underscores the importance of this practice in early Christianity.

5. Pharisees
Religious leaders who were aware of Jesus' growing influence, which is part of the broader context of this passage.
Teaching Points
Delegation in Ministry
Jesus' decision not to baptize personally but to have His disciples do so teaches the importance of empowering others in ministry roles.

Unity in Purpose
The act of baptism by the disciples under Jesus' authority highlights the unity and shared mission within the body of Christ.

Humility in Service
Jesus' example of not seeking personal recognition in the act of baptism encourages believers to serve humbly and selflessly.

Role of Baptism
Baptism is a vital expression of faith and commitment to Christ, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and new life.

Leadership and Trust
Jesus trusted His disciples with significant responsibilities, illustrating the importance of trust and mentorship in Christian leadership.(2) Though Jesus himself baptized not.--This is a correction, not of the writer's statement, but of the report carried to the Pharisees. The form of the report is quite natural. John did personally baptise, and when multitudes thronged him, it is probable that his disciples assisted. Greater numbers still (John 3:26) were thronging to the baptism administered ministerially by the disciples of Jesus. (Comp. Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; 1Corinthians 1:15-17.) They had been drawn to Him by His teaching and miracles in Jerusalem and the country round about, and they spoke of receiving His baptism. But the writer cannot let the report appear in his Gospel without correction. There was a reason which they did not know for the fact that Jesus did not baptise with water, for it was He "which baptiseth with the Holy Spirit" (John 1:33). and this power His disciples had not yet received (John 7:39). . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
(although [it was]
καίτοιγε (kaitoige)
Conjunction
Strong's 2544: And yet, although, indeed. From kaitoi and ge; and yet indeed, i.e. Although really.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

who
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 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.

baptized,
ἐβάπτιζεν (ebaptizen)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize.

but
ἀλλ’ (all’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.

disciples),
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.


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NT Gospels: John 4:2 Although Jesus himself didn't baptize but his (Jhn Jo Jn)
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