"pr. immersion; baptism, ordinance of baptism, Mt. 3:7; Rom. 6:4; met. baptism in the trial of suffering, Mt. 20:22, 23; Mk. 10:38, 39"
Definition and meaning
pr. immersion; baptism, ordinance of baptism, Mt. 3:7; Rom. 6:4; met. baptism in the trial of suffering, Mt. 20:22, 23; Mk. 10:38, 39
In the original Greek the word is written: βάπτισμα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of baptisma (G908) across the King James Bible.
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?
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
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Common questions
Strong's G908 (baptisma) is a Greek word that means: pr. immersion; baptism, ordinance of baptism, Mt. 3:7; Rom. 6:4; met. baptism in the trial of suffering, Mt. 20:22, 23; Mk. 10:38, 39 It appears 22 times in the King James Bible.
The word baptisma (G908) appears 22 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G908 is baptisma, a Greek word defined as: pr. immersion; baptism, ordinance of baptism, Mt. 3:7; Rom. 6:4; met. baptism in the trial of suffering, Mt. 20:22, 23; Mk. 10:38, 39. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
baptisma is a Greek word found in the New Testament.