Τότε παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ.
Introduction
Matthew 3:13 introduces the solemn moment when ὁ Ἰησοῦς voluntarily approaches ὁ Ἰωάννης to be baptized. The verse’s Greek structure reveals deliberate verbal sequencing and spatial-temporal framing that underscore intentionality and submission. This analysis will explore the grammatical details of the present middle deponent verb παραγίνεται, the genitive articular infinitive τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, and the directional prepositional phrases that structure the sentence semantically and theologically.
Temporal Coordination: Τότε
– Τότε is an adverb meaning “then” or “at that time.”
– It functions as a discourse marker, introducing a new narrative action temporally linked to preceding events.
– Syntactically, it serves as the opening adverb of the sentence and governs the temporal framework.
– Semantically, it signals that the baptism of Jesus occurs in response to or in alignment with John’s public ministry.
Main Verb and Subject: παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς
– παραγίνεται: Present middle/passive deponent indicative, 3rd person singular of παραγίνομαι.
– Literally, “comes beside” or “arrives,” used often to denote a solemn or official appearing.
– The present tense gives vividness (historical present), suggesting immediacy.
– The deponent nature implies active meaning despite middle/passive form: “Jesus arrives.”
– ὁ Ἰησοῦς: Nominative singular masculine proper noun with article.
– The article ὁ emphasizes definiteness and familiarity: “Jesus,” the known protagonist.
– This construction emphasizes the entrance of Jesus into a significant phase of his public identity and mission.
Directional Prepositional Phrase: ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας
– ἀπὸ: Preposition governing the genitive, indicating origin or source.
– τῆς Γαλιλαίας: Genitive singular feminine noun with definite article, referring to the geographic region of Galilee.
– The use of the article points to a known place.
– Translation: “from Galilee.”
– This expresses geographical movement and serves to highlight Jesus’ humble, rural origin as he moves toward a decisive act of submission.
Locative and Telic Direction: ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην
– ἐπὶ: Preposition with the accusative here, indicating movement toward a location.
– τὸν Ἰορδάνην: Accusative singular masculine of ὁ Ἰορδάνης, “the Jordan [River].”
– The combination denotes directional motion: “to the Jordan.”
– This phrase locates the action both geographically and ritually, emphasizing the sacred river as a site of transformation.
Personal Target: πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην
– πρὸς: Preposition governing the accusative, commonly indicating motion or relational orientation.
– τὸν Ἰωάννην: Accusative singular of the proper noun Ἰωάννης (“John”).
– This phrase denotes purpose: not merely geographical movement but a directed personal encounter.
– Translation: “to John.”
– The prepositional shift from ἐπὶ to πρὸς marks a transition from location to interpersonal engagement.
Articular Infinitive of Purpose: τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι
– τοῦ: Genitive article modifying the infinitive βαπτισθῆναι.
– βαπτισθῆναι: Aorist passive infinitive of βαπτίζω (“to baptize”).
– The aorist infinitive expresses a completed act viewed as a whole.
– The passive voice shows that Jesus is the recipient of the baptism.
– This is an articular infinitive expressing purpose or intended result.
– Translation: “in order to be baptized.”
– The use of this construction emphasizes Jesus’ deliberate intent in coming—not to preach or perform signs—but to receive baptism.
Agency Phrase: ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ
– ὑπ’: Preposition (a form of ὑπό) governing the genitive, denoting agency in passive constructions.
– αὐτοῦ: Genitive singular of the 3rd person masculine pronoun.
– The phrase expresses agency: “by him” = by John.
– This passive-agency construction underscores Jesus’ submission to the prophetic function of John.
– Notably, Jesus is not acting but being acted upon.
Word Order and Literary Flow
Greek word order in this verse follows the pattern of emphasis:
1. Τότε – Temporal marker sets narrative timing.
2. παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς – The subject-verb pair appears early, emphasizing Jesus’ initiative.
3. Prepositional phrases follow in rising importance:
– ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας (origin)
– ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην (location)
– πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην (person)
4. Final clause: τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ – Purpose expressed with theological weight.
This progression climaxes with the theological purpose of baptism, making the grammatical order mirror the spiritual ascent of the event.
Theological and Lexical Implications
– βαπτισθῆναι: The act of baptism is not performed by Jesus but received, suggesting humility and submission to divine process.
– παραγίνεται: Often used in scenes of epiphany or manifestation. Jesus’ arrival is not casual—it is epiphanic.
– πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην: Indicates Jesus seeks out John as a divinely appointed mediator.
– The totality of grammar in this verse testifies to a carefully structured theology of obedience, mission, and incarnation.
A Densely Layered Sentence of Theological Import
Matthew 3:13 is not simply a narrative transition but a densely layered sentence of theological import, constructed through precise Koine syntax. The historical present, directional prepositions, genitive articular infinitive, and passive constructions all work to emphasize divine intentionality, humility, and prophetic fulfillment. The verse’s Greek grammar reveals Jesus as the one who voluntarily approaches the Jordan—not to act, but to submit—to fulfill righteousness through grammatical submission.
