Definition and Etymology:
The term "baptizest" is an archaic second person singular form of the verb "baptize," which is derived from the Greek word "baptizō" (βαπτίζω). This term is used in older English translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, to address an individual directly in the act of baptizing. The modern equivalent would be "you baptize."

Biblical Context:
Baptism is a significant rite in Christianity, symbolizing purification, repentance, and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The practice of baptism is rooted in the New Testament and is a central sacrament in many Christian denominations.

Scriptural References:
The act of baptizing is prominently featured in the New Testament. John the Baptist is a key figure associated with baptism, as he baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. In the Berean Standard Bible, Matthew 3:11 records John the Baptist saying, "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 fire."

In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize believers. Matthew 28:19 states, "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."

Theological Significance:
Baptism is viewed as an outward expression of an inward faith. It is a public declaration of a believer's faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to follow Him. The act of being immersed in water symbolizes the believer's death to sin and resurrection to a new life in Christ, as described in 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."

Historical Practice:
In the early church, baptism was typically performed by full immersion, reflecting the practice of John the Baptist and the early disciples. Over time, different modes of baptism, such as pouring or sprinkling, have been adopted by various Christian traditions. Despite these differences, the essential meaning and purpose of baptism remain consistent across denominations.

Contemporary Application:
Today, baptism continues to be a vital practice in the Christian faith. It is often accompanied by a ceremony in which the individual publicly professes their faith and is welcomed into the Christian community. While the age and method of baptism may vary, the act remains a powerful symbol of faith and obedience to Christ's command.

John i. 24, 25. Of the Baptism of John, that of Elijah, and that ...
... And they asked him, and said unto him, [4889] "Why baptizest thou then, if thou
art not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" Those who sent from Jerusalem ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/13 john i 24 25.htm

How the Baptist Answers the Question of the Pharisees and Exalts ...
... It is asked, "Why baptizest thou then, if thou art not the Christ?" And what other
answer could be given to this than to show that his baptism was in its ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/15 how the baptist answers.htm

John Chapter i. 19-33
... 8. "And they which were sent were of the Pharisees," that is, of the chief men among
the Jews; "and they asked him and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate iv john chapter i.htm

"We have Found the Messias"
... The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not
that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 14 we have found.htm

Not that Light, but a Witness.
... "The Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levites to ask him, 'Who art
thou?' ... Why baptizest thou?'" The first question was universally interesting ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/viii not that light but.htm

John i. 19
... And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou
be not that Christ, neither Elias, neither that Prophet?". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm

The First Disciples
... in the questions put to him, "Art thou the Messiah?" "Elijah?" "The prophet?" (see
Deuteronomy 18:15), and in the challenge, "Why, then, baptizest thou?" when ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the first disciples.htm

The Baptist's Testimony.
... And they asked him, and said unto him, Why then baptizest thou, if thou
art not the Christ, neither Elijah, neither the prophet? ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iii the baptists testimony.htm

No Man Hath Seen God at any Time; the Only Son...
... [312] And they asked him and said unto him, Why baptizest thou now, when
thou art not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor a prophet? [9 ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section iv no man hath.htm

Matt. Iii. 7
... declared by what follows; for on his not acknowledging any of the things which they
expected, even so they take hold of him, saying, "Why baptizest thou then ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xi matt iii 7.htm

Baptizest (1 Occurrence)
...Baptizest (1 Occurrence). John 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why
baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? ...
/b/baptizest.htm - 6k

Baptizeth (2 Occurrences)

/b/baptizeth.htm - 7k

Baptizes (2 Occurrences)

/b/baptizes.htm - 7k

Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... The priests and Levites said to the Baptist (John 1:25), "Why baptizest thou, if
thou be not that Christ, nor Elias?" Paul (Romans 11:2) refers to an incident ...
/e/elijah.htm - 71k

Elias (30 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY). John 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then,
if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? (KJV DBY). ...
/e/elias.htm - 15k

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