These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "where John was baptizing" highlights that this wasn't a one-off event, but the ongoing, continuous ministry of John the Baptist in this very specific location. It anchors the theological truths discussed just before within a real, tangible place and a sustained activity, emphasizing the grounded nature of God's work.
These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse anchors John the Baptist's ministry to a specific location east of the Jordan River, right after he's been questioned by delegates from Jerusalem. John has just declared his own role as a forerunner, pointing to someone greater who stands among them, whose identity they don't recognize. This verse simply states where this pivotal exchange and John's ongoing baptizing ministry are taking place.
John 1:28 mentions 'Bethany,' a name we know from Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. But this Bethany is across the Jordan, a place of continued, significant ministry.
The Gospel writers sometimes used familiar names for different locations. This 'Bethany' wasn't the one near Jerusalem, but a distinct spot east of the Jordan River.
Why the Confusion?
John wasn't just baptizing; he was continuously engaged in it. This ongoing action sets the scene for a momentous encounter and highlights his preparatory role.
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The Greek phrasing for 'where John was baptizing' uses a continuous tense. It wasn't a one-off event but his sustained ministry in that location.
A Ministry of Preparation
The specific location 'Bethany across the Jordan' points to a place distinct from the more famous Bethany near Jerusalem, highlighting the geographical context of John the Baptist's ministry as he operated east of the Jordan River.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC
Birth of Jesus Christ
The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, marking the beginning of God's plan of salvation foretold in the Old Testament.
c. AD 27 - 28
Ministry of John the Baptist Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry of repentance and baptism in the wilderness of Judea, preparing the way for the Messiah.
c. AD 28
Jesus is Baptized by John
Jesus comes to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. The Holy Spirit descends, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus as God's Son.
c. AD 28
Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Immediately after his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil.
c. AD 28— this verse
Deputation from Jerusalem Questions John
Religious leaders from Jerusalem send a delegation to question John about his identity and authority to baptize, setting the stage for his testimony about Jesus.
c. AD 28
John Testifies Jesus is the Lamb of God
The day after the delegation departs, John sees Jesus and declares him to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
This passage describes John the Baptist preaching and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea, establishing the context for his ministry beyond the Jordan.
Mark 1:4Similar to John's Gospel, this verse directly links John's baptism to the preparation for the Messiah, stating his baptism was for repentance and the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 3:3This passage reiterates John's mission to preach a baptism of repentance in the region around the Jordan River, mirroring the geographical setting in John 1:28.
John 3:23This verse provides further geographical detail about John's ministry, mentioning his baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was plentiful there, implying the Jordan region was a primary area of his work.
vincentJohn 1:28: "These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing."
Bethabara (βηθαναρᾷ)The correct reading is βηθανία, Bethany. Not the Bethany of John 11:18, but an unknown village. It was not uncommon for two places to have the same name, as the two Bethsaidas, the one on the eastern shore of the Lake of Gennesaret (Mark 6:32, Mark 6:45), and the other on the western shore (John 1:44); the two Caesareas, on the Mediterranean (Acts 8:40), and in Gaulonitis, at the foo…
calvinJohn 1:24-28: "And they which were sent were of the Pharisees."
- Now those who were sent were of the Pharisees. 25. Therefore they asked him, and said to him, Why then dost thou baptize, if thou art not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor a Prophet? 26. John answered them, saying, I baptize with water; but one standeth in the midst of you, whom you know not. 27. It is he who, coming after me, is preferred to me; whose shoe-latchet I am not worthy to loose. 28. These things were done in Bethabara bey…
The phrase "where John was baptizing" highlights that this wasn't a one-off event, but the ongoing, continuous ministry of John the Baptist in this very specific location. It anchors the theological truths discussed just before within a real, tangible place and a sustained activity, emphasizing the grounded nature of God's work.
This verse anchors John the Baptist's ministry to a specific location east of the Jordan River, right after he's been questioned by delegates from Jerusalem. John has just declared his own role as a forerunner, pointing to someone greater who stands among them, whose identity they don't recognize. This verse simply states where this pivotal exchange and John's ongoing baptizing ministry are taking place.
This verse anchors John the Baptist's ministry to a specific location east of the Jordan River, right after he's been questioned by delegates from Jerusalem. John has just declared his own role as a forerunner, pointing to someone greater who stands among them, whose identity they don't recognize. This verse simply states where this pivotal exchange and John's ongoing baptizing ministry are taking place.
"These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing." — The phrase "where John was baptizing" highlights that this wasn't a one-off event, but the ongoing, continuous ministry of John the Baptist in this very specific location. It anchors the theological…
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Last reviewed October 2026