Luke 3:22
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 am 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!”

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!"

Majority Standard Bible
and 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.?

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."

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 Version
and 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 am 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 Testament
and 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



Context
The Baptism of Jesus
21When 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
Matthew 3:16-17
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. / And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Mark 1:10-11
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. / And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

John 1:32-34
Then John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. / 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.’ / I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

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.

Psalm 2:7
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.

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.

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.”

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,

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!”

Mark 9:7
Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”

John 12:28
Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

Genesis 1:2
Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,


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-Pleased
Jump to Next
Appearance Baptized Beloved Bodily Dearly Delight Descended Dove Form Found Ghost Heaven Holy Jesus Love Pleased Praying Shape Sky Spirit Voice Well-Pleased
Luke 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
The phrase "and the Holy Spirit" introduces the third person of the Trinity, emphasizing His active presence in the life and ministry of Jesus. The Greek word for Spirit, "Pneuma," signifies breath or wind, symbolizing the life-giving and dynamic power of God. The Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus marks the divine endorsement of His mission and the beginning of His public ministry. This moment reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 61:1, which speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting upon the Messiah.

descended on Him
The imagery of the Holy Spirit descending "on Him" is rich with symbolism. The Greek verb "katabaino" means to come down or descend, indicating a deliberate and purposeful action. This descent signifies the anointing of Jesus, setting Him apart for His redemptive work. It echoes the anointing of kings and prophets in the Old Testament, where oil was poured upon them as a sign of God's chosen leadership. Here, the Holy Spirit Himself is the anointing, underscoring Jesus' divine authority and mission.

in a bodily form
The phrase "in a bodily form" underscores the tangible and visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word "somatikos" suggests a physical presence, which is unique in this context. This visible form serves as a divine confirmation to those present, affirming Jesus' identity and mission. It also highlights the reality of the spiritual realm intersecting with the physical world, a theme prevalent throughout the Gospels.

like a dove
The simile "like a dove" is significant in its symbolism. The dove, in Jewish tradition, represents purity, peace, and the presence of God. In the Genesis account of Noah, the dove is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Here, it signifies the inauguration of Jesus' ministry and the new covenant He will establish. The gentle nature of a dove also reflects the character of the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides with grace and peace.

And a voice came from heaven
The phrase "And a voice came from heaven" introduces a divine proclamation. The voice from heaven, often referred to as a "bat kol" in Jewish tradition, is a direct communication from God. This heavenly voice serves as a public affirmation of Jesus' divine sonship and mission. It connects the earthly ministry of Jesus with the heavenly authority of God, reinforcing the unity of the Trinity.

You are My beloved Son
The declaration "You are My beloved Son" is a profound affirmation of Jesus' identity. The Greek word "agapetos" for beloved denotes a deep, unconditional love. This statement echoes Psalm 2:7, a messianic psalm, and highlights Jesus' unique relationship with the Father. It affirms His divine nature and His role as the promised Messiah, the one who will fulfill God's redemptive plan.

in You I am well pleased
The concluding phrase "in You I am well pleased" expresses the Father's approval and delight in the Son. The Greek word "eudokeo" conveys a sense of satisfaction and favor. This divine approval is not based on Jesus' works but on His identity and mission. It sets the tone for His ministry, emphasizing that everything He does is in perfect alignment with the Father's will. This approval also serves as an encouragement to believers, reminding them that through Christ, they too can find favor with God.

(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.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
and
καὶ (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.


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NT Gospels: Luke 3:22 And the Holy Spirit descended (Luke Lu Lk)
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