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    Baptism

    βάπτισμα (Baptisma)

    Immersion in water as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and new life in Christ

    Greek
    Strong's G907
    Pronunciation: BAP-tis-mah
    Quick Answer

    Baptism (baptisma) comes from the Greek word meaning 'to dip' or 'to immerse.' It is the outward act of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection — a public declaration of faith and new life.

    "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." — Romans 6:4 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Romans 6:4

    “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
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    Matthew 28:19

    “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
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    Acts 2:38

    “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G907 — Baptism (βάπτισμα (Baptisma))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where βάπτισμα (Baptisma) appears.

    Open Strong's G907

    The Meaning of Baptizo

    The Greek word 'baptizo' means 'to dip, plunge, or immerse.' In secular Greek, it was used for dyeing cloth (plunging it into dye) or sinking a ship. When applied to the Christian ordinance, it carries the idea of total immersion — being completely enveloped. This physical act pictures a spiritual reality: the believer is united with Christ in His death (going under the water) and raised with Him in new life (coming up from the water).

    Baptism in the Old Testament

    While Christian baptism is a New Testament practice, its roots reach into the Old Testament. The Israelites passed through the Red Sea — Paul calls this a baptism 'unto Moses' (1 Corinthians 10:2). The Levitical law required ceremonial washings for purification. The prophets used water imagery for spiritual cleansing: 'Wash you, make you clean' (Isaiah 1:16). John the Baptist drew on all these traditions when he called Israel to a 'baptism of repentance' in the Jordan River.

    Jesus and Baptism

    Jesus Himself was baptized by John in the Jordan — not because He needed repentance, but to 'fulfil all righteousness' (Matthew 3:15). At His baptism, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father's voice declared, 'This is my beloved Son.' Jesus also spoke of His coming death as a baptism: 'I have a baptism to be baptized with' (Luke 12:50), linking water baptism to His atoning sacrifice.

    The Significance for Believers

    Baptism is the believer's first act of obedience after faith. It does not save — salvation is by grace through faith — but it publicly identifies the believer with Christ. Romans 6:3-4 explains the symbolism: burial with Christ (the old life dies) and resurrection with Christ (a new life begins). It is also an act of incorporation into the body of Christ, the church: 'By one Spirit are we all baptized into one body' (1 Corinthians 12:13).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is baptism necessary for salvation?

    Christians hold different views. Most Protestants teach that baptism is an important act of obedience and public confession but that salvation is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Others see baptism as integral to the salvation process (Acts 2:38). All agree that baptism is commanded by Christ and should not be neglected by believers.

    Should baptism be by immersion or sprinkling?

    The Greek word 'baptizo' means 'to immerse,' and the earliest Christian practice appears to have been full immersion. Some traditions practice sprinkling or pouring, citing Old Testament purification rites. The mode is debated, but the meaning — identification with Christ's death and resurrection — is universally affirmed.

    Should infants be baptized?

    This is one of the oldest debates in Christianity. Some traditions baptize infants as a sign of the covenant (similar to circumcision), while others practice believer's baptism only, arguing that faith must precede baptism. Both sides appeal to Scripture and church tradition for support.

    What is the Greek word for "Baptism" in the Bible?

    βάπτισμα (Baptisma), pronounced "BAP-tis-mah." It means immersion in water as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and new life in christ. Its Strong's number is G907. It is the word behind "Baptism" in both Testaments, for example in Romans 6:4.

    Related Words

    Repentance
    Salvation
    Faith
    Holy

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    Word Meaning

    Baptism (βάπτισμα (Baptisma))

    Immersion in water as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and new life in Christ

    Strong's

    Strong's G907 — Baptism

    βάπτισμα (Baptisma) • Immersion in water as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and new life in Christ

    Q&A

    What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

    Prayer & Worship

    Q&A

    What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

    Theology & Doctrine

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Water in a Dream (KJV)

    Cleansing, the Spirit, and the Word of God.

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of a River in a Dream (KJV)

    The Spirit's flow, refreshing, and God's ongoing work.

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