New Testament
Luke 3:21
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, we see a significant moment in Jesus' life when he chooses to be baptized by John the Baptist.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. As he was praying, heaven opened,
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a significant moment in Jesus' life when he chooses to be baptized by John the Baptist. This act of baptism symbolizes his identification with humanity and the beginning of his public ministry. While everyone else is being baptized for repentance, Jesus, who is sinless, participates to fulfill all righteousness. As he prays after his baptism, the heavens open, indicating a divine affirmation of his mission. This moment is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, which descends upon him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares him as God's beloved Son. This event highlights the importance of prayer and the connection between Jesus and God the Father, setting the stage for his ministry and the work he will accomplish. It also emphasizes the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith and obedience to God. Explore related new.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Luke 3:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace baptism as a vital step in our faith journey, symbolizing our commitment to follow Christ. It also reminds us of the importance of prayer in our lives, as it connects us with God and opens our hearts to His guidance and affirmation.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 3:21 mean?
Luke 3:21 describes the moment when Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, marking the start of his public ministry. This act symbolizes his identification with humanity and his commitment to fulfilling God's plan.
What is the significance of Jesus' baptism in Luke 3:21?
Jesus' baptism signifies his obedience to God and his role in identifying with sinners, despite being sinless. It also serves as a public declaration of his mission and the beginning of his ministry.
What happens after Jesus is baptized in Luke 3:21?
After Jesus is baptized, he prays, and the heavens open, indicating divine approval. This moment is also marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit and a voice from heaven affirming Jesus as God's beloved Son.
What does the phrase 'heaven opened' mean in Luke 3:21?
The phrase 'heaven opened' signifies a moment of divine revelation and approval. It indicates that God is affirming Jesus' mission and the significance of his baptism.

The Book of Luke
Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold
In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.
Unlock the full Luke summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Luke — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 24 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Luke summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.