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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Matthew 3:1–17

A connected passage, with study helps kept beside the verses they explain.

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected

Matthew 3:1

1IN those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa,

Matthew 3:2

2And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 3:3

3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Matthew 3:4

4And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Matthew 3:5

5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and all the region round about Jordan,

Matthew 3:6

6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 3:7

7¶ But when he saw many of the 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

8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Matthew 3:9

9And think 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

10And now 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

11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but 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

12Whose fan 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

13¶ Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Matthew 3:14

14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Matthew 3:15

15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Matthew 3:16

16And Jesus, 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

17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

ENSURE CONTEXTUALIZATION

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DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:1

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:2

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Repent

To change one's mind or course; to feel sorrow or regret for what has been done; to turn from or reconsider a former course.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

kingdom

A realm, dominion, government, or people under a king; also the reign or sovereign rule of a king.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

heaven

The expanse above the earth, including the sky or firmament; also the dwelling or throne of God, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

hand

The part of the body at the end of the arm; figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:3

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

one

The number one; a single person or thing; the same or united as a whole.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Prepare

To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order. Ina general sense, to fit, adapt or qualify for a particular purpose, end, use, service or state, by any means whatever.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

Lord

A title of authority applied here to God, Christ, or a male master or ruler, according to the verse.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (alignment witness) · Webster 1828

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

make

To form, produce, cause, or carry out what the verse states.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

paths

Ways, tracks, or courses followed in travel or conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

straight

Made direct, clear, and rightly ordered; in context, a prepared way or course without crooked deviation.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:4

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

camel

A large desert animal used for riding and bearing burdens; also named among the unclean animals in the KJV.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

hair

A filament growing from the skin, or the collective covering formed by such filaments; sometimes something extremely fine or small.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

leathern

Animal skin prepared for use as a material.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

girdle

A band or belt; something drawn round the waist of a person, and tied or buckled.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

about

Around, concerning, near, or engaged in; on every side or approximately, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:5

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

out

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

all

Wholly, entirely, or altogether; every one or the whole amount, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

about

Around, concerning, near, or engaged in; on every side or approximately, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:6

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

confessing

Openly acknowledging, admitting, or declaring; especially acknowledging sin, fault, or truth.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

sins

Acts of transgression against God; offences; or, as a verb, commits sin, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:7

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

many

A great number; numerous persons or things.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Pharisees

Members of a Jewish sect known for strict observance of its religious traditions.

Meaning drawn from: Bullokar 1616 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

said

Spoke, declared, reported, commanded, or expressed in words.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

flee

To run or hasten away, especially from danger or expected evil.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wrath

Intense anger or indignation; also judgment or punishment proceeding from such anger.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:8

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fruits

The produce of a plant; offspring; or the result and effect of conduct, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

repentance

A change of mind attended by sorrow or regret, leading one to turn from a former course.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:9

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

think

To form or hold a thought; to judge, suppose, intend, consider, remember, imagine, or esteem, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

able

Having physical power sufficient; having competent power or strength, bodily or mental.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

stones

Pieces or masses of rock; or, as a verb, strikes with stones, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

children

Sons or daughters; descendants; or persons likened to children by age, relation, or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:10

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

root

The part of a plant fixed in the earth; figuratively, the origin, cause, foundation, ancestor, or source of growth; also, to take root or eradicate.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

every

Each one of all; all taken separately, without exception in the stated group.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

good

That which is right, beneficial, pleasing, useful, or morally upright.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fruit

The produce of a plant; offspring; or the result and effect of conduct, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

hewn

Cut, carved, or shaped with an axe, chisel, or other tool.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

cast

To throw, send forth, place, reckon, or discard, with the exact sense determined by context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fire

Flame and burning heat; figuratively, fiery trial, judgment, zeal, or anger; to kindle or burn.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:11

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

indeed

In truth, in fact, or certainly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

water

The common liquid necessary for life; as a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

repentance

A change of mind attended by sorrow or regret, leading one to turn from a former course.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

after

Later than, behind, following, or in pursuit of, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

mightier

More mighty, powerful, strong, or able.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

shoes

Coverings worn on the feet.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

worthy

Deserving, fit, suitable, or having worth; as a noun, a person of merit, rank, or valor.

Meaning drawn from: Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bear

To carry, support, endure, produce, bring forth, or sustain, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Holy

Belonging to God or set apart for him; sacred; morally pure. Applied to God, it expresses his perfect purity; in Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, it identifies the Spirit of God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (alignment witness) · Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fire

Flame and burning heat; figuratively, fiery trial, judgment, zeal, or anger; to kindle or burn.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:12

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fan

An instrument for winnowing grain by separating chaff from it.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

hand

The part of the body at the end of the arm; figuratively, power, possession, aid, or agency.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

floor

A level surface underfoot; especially a threshing floor where grain is separated.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wheat

A grain-bearing plant and its seed, commonly ground into flour for bread.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

burn

To consume, injure, heat, dry, or harden by fire or intense heat; also to be on fire.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

chaff

People, works, kingdoms, or outcomes compared by the verse to light, worthless husks driven away or burned.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fire

Flame and burning heat; figuratively, fiery trial, judgment, zeal, or anger; to kindle or burn.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:14

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

forbad

Forbade; commanded not to do something, or prohibited it.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

need

Want: occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:15

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

answering

Replying or responding; in the phrase “answering again,” contradicting or speaking back.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

said

Spoke, declared, reported, commanded, or expressed in words.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

Suffer

To bear, undergo, or endure pain, loss, or hardship; also to allow or permit.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

fulfil

To accomplish, complete, perform, or bring to pass.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

all

Wholly, entirely, or altogether; every one or the whole amount, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

righteousness

The state or character of being righteous; justice, uprightness, or conformity to what is right.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

suffered

Borne; undergone; peri mitted; allowed.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:16

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

out

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

water

The common liquid necessary for life; as a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

opened

Made open, uncovered, unsealed, revealed, or made accessible.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

God

A deity or object of worship; when referring to the LORD, the one true God.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

like

Similar or of the same kind; in the same manner; likely; or, as a verb, to please.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

dove

The visible descent or manner of the Spirit is likened to a dove; dove names the comparison, not the Spirit's identity.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

DEFINED WORDS

Matthew 3:17

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

heaven

The expanse above the earth, including the sky or firmament; also the dwelling or throne of God, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

well

In a good, right, or healthy manner or condition; also a deep source of water, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription)

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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From verse 1

  1. Isaiah 40:3–6
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  2. John 1:6–8
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  3. Luke 1:13–17
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  4. Luke 1:76
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  5. Luke 3:1–20
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From verse 2

  1. Mark 1:15
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  2. Matthew 4:17
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  3. 2 Corinthians 7:10
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  4. Daniel 2:44
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  5. Luke 24:47
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From verse 3

  1. Isaiah 40:3
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  2. Malachi 3:1
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  3. John 1:23
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  4. Isaiah 57:14–15
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  5. Luke 1:76
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From verse 4

  1. 2 Kings 1:8
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  2. Leviticus 11:22
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  3. Mark 1:6
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  4. Matthew 11:8
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  5. Zechariah 13:4
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From verse 5

  1. Mark 1:5
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  2. John 3:23
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  3. John 5:35
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  4. Luke 16:16
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  5. Luke 3:7
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From verse 6

  1. Acts 19:18
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  2. 1 John 1:9
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  3. Matthew 3:13–16
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  4. Acts 2:38–41
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  5. Ezekiel 36:25
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From verse 7

  1. Matthew 12:34
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  2. 1 Thessalonians 1:10
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  3. Matthew 22:23
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  4. Matthew 23:33
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  5. Romans 5:9
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From verse 8

  1. Luke 3:8
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  2. Acts 26:20
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  3. 2 Peter 1:4–8
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  4. Galatians 5:22–23
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  5. Ephesians 5:9
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From verse 9

  1. Luke 3:8
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  2. Romans 9:7–8
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  3. Galatians 3:27–29
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  4. John 8:33
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  5. Acts 13:26
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From verse 10

  1. John 15:6
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  2. Luke 3:9
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  3. Matthew 7:19
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  4. John 15:2
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  5. Luke 13:6–9
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From verse 11

  1. Isaiah 4:4
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  2. Luke 3:16
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  3. Acts 1:5
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  4. Zechariah 13:9
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  5. Acts 2:2–4
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From verse 12

  1. Malachi 4:1
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  2. Matthew 13:30
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  3. Luke 3:17
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  4. Isaiah 41:16
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  5. Jeremiah 51:2
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From verse 13

  1. John 1:32–34
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  2. Mark 1:9–11
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  3. Matthew 2:22
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  4. Luke 3:21–22
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From verse 14

  1. John 3:3–7
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  2. Acts 1:5–8
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  3. John 13:6–8
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  4. Ephesians 2:3–5
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  5. Galatians 3:22
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From verse 15

  1. John 4:34
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  2. Isaiah 42:21
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  3. John 13:15
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  4. John 15:10
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  5. Luke 1:6
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From verse 16

  1. Isaiah 11:2
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  2. Luke 3:21–22
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  3. Mark 1:10
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  4. Isaiah 42:1
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  5. John 1:31–34
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From verse 17

  1. Isaiah 42:1
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  2. Matthew 17:5
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  3. Psalms 2:7
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  4. Luke 9:35
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  5. Matthew 12:18
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FOLLOW THE THEME

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