John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that John chose Aenon specifically because of the "much water" – a detail that seems simple but actually points to the sheer scale of people responding to his ministry. It wasn't just a few interested folks; it was a massive gathering needing a place that could accommodate them all.
John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus and His disciples have moved into Judea where they, too, are baptizing, leading to a discussion between John's disciples and Jewish authorities about purification. To accommodate the large crowds drawn to his ministry, John has relocated to Aenon, a place near Salim with an abundance of water. This setup is happening while John is still actively ministering, before his imprisonment.
Why did John the Baptist choose this specific spot for his ministry? It wasn't just about scenery; it was about logistics.
The verse highlights John's location in Aenon near Salim because 'water was plentiful there.' This detail isn't just geographical trivia; it points to the practical demands of John's ministry.
A Ministry on a Grand Scale
John's preaching drew massive crowds. To baptize a large number of people, a site with abundant water was essential. This wasn't about a small ritual; it was a significant public act requiring substantial resources.
More Than Just a Ceremony
The need for plentiful water suggests the mode of baptism. While debated, the emphasis on 'many waters' implies a method that required a significant volume of water, likely immersion. Whether John himself immersed people or they immersed themselves, the availability of water was key to carrying out the task effectively.
We see names like 'Aenon' and 'Salim,' but what do they tell us about John's ministry and its context?
The specific mention of 'Aenon near Salim' provides a geographical anchor, though its exact location is debated. The names themselves offer clues.
The Meaning of 'Aenon'
'Aenon' likely derives from a word meaning 'spring' or 'fountain.' This reinforces the reason given in the verse – the abundance of water. It suggests a place naturally rich with springs or streams.
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Proximity and Ministry Focus
'Salim' was likely a more established or recognizable location, serving as a reference point for 'Aenon.' The proximity of these places indicates that John's ministry, like Jesus', was happening in specific, real locations within the land. While scholars debate the exact placement, these details ground the biblical narrative in a tangible geography, and the commentary suggests a location that would have allowed John to minister effectively without immediate interference, allowing his message to spread.
Connecting to Jesus' Ministry
This location might have been strategically chosen not only for water but also to operate somewhat independently of the religious authorities centered in Jerusalem, perhaps allowing John to preach a message of repentance and prepare the way for Jesus without immediate suppression.
The verse doesn't just say John was baptizing; it emphasizes who was there and what they were doing.
The simple statement, 'and they came, and were baptized,' reveals the heart of John's impact.
Responding to God's Call
'They came' signifies a response. People weren't passively present; they actively sought out John. This implies they heard his message of repentance and were moved to respond through the act of baptism.
A Continual Movement
The imperfect tense used for 'came' and 'were baptized' suggests a continuous action. It wasn't a one-time event, but an ongoing flow of people responding to the call to prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah.
The Significance of Baptism
John's baptism was a public declaration of repentance and a sign of turning towards God. The fact that 'they came' shows that this message resonated deeply enough for people to publicly identify with it.
John the Baptist's ministry, though distinct from Jesus', was a significant movement drawing large crowds. His choice of Aenon, a place with abundant water, highlights the practical needs of his ministry and the scale of people responding to his call for repentance.
c. AD 27-28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River.
c. AD 28
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee after His baptism by John and His temptation in the wilderness. He calls His first disciples.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
John Baptizes at Aenon near Salim
John the Baptist moves his ministry to Aenon near Salim, a well-watered location, as large crowds continue to seek baptism.
c. AD 29
John's Disciples Question Jesus
John's disciples express concern to him that Jesus is also baptizing and drawing large crowds, leading to a theological discussion.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist Imprisoned
Herod Antipas imprisons John the Baptist, likely due to John's public condemnation of Herod's unlawful marriage.
This passage introduces John the Baptist preaching and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea, setting the stage for the ministry described in John 3:23.
Mark 1:5Similar to John 3:23, this verse describes vast crowds coming to John the Baptist for baptism in the land of Judea.
Luke 3:3This verse echoes John 3:23 by stating that John the Baptist came into the region around the Jordan River, proclaiming a baptism of repentance, drawing people to him.
John 1:31This verse highlights John the Baptist's stated purpose: that Israel might know Him (Jesus), and he himself explains that his own baptism was for the purpose of making Jesus known.
Acts 19:3This passage shows that the practice of John's baptism continued even after Jesus' ministry, with disciples still practicing it, highlighting the ongoing significance of John's work.
ellicottJohn 3:23: "And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."
(23) Ænon near to Salim. —The latter place was clearly well known at the time, and regarded as fixing the locality of the former. It has been usual to follow Jerome and Eusebius, who fix the place in the valley of the Jordan, eight miles south from Bethshan, or Scythopolis. (See quotation from the Onomasticon, in Caspari, Chron. and Geogr. Introd., Eng. Trans.,…
barnesJohn 3:23: "And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."
In Enon - The word "Enon," or "Aenon," means "a fountain," and was doubtless given to this place because of the fountains there. On the situation of the place nothing certain has been determined. Eusebius places it eight Roman miles south of Scythopolis or Bethshan, and 53 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Near to Salim - It would seem from this that Salim was bette…
The verse highlights that John chose Aenon specifically because of the "much water" – a detail that seems simple but actually points to the sheer scale of people responding to his ministry. It wasn't just a few interested folks; it was a massive gathering needing a place that could accommodate them all.
Jesus and His disciples have moved into Judea where they, too, are baptizing, leading to a discussion between John's disciples and Jewish authorities about purification. To accommodate the large crowds drawn to his ministry, John has relocated to Aenon, a place near Salim with an abundance of water. This setup is happening while John is still actively ministering, before his imprisonment.
Jesus and His disciples have moved into Judea where they, too, are baptizing, leading to a discussion between John's disciples and Jewish authorities about purification. To accommodate the large crowds drawn to his ministry, John has relocated to Aenon, a place near Salim with an abundance of water. This setup is happening while John is still actively ministering, before his imprisonment.
"John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized" — The verse highlights that John chose Aenon specifically because of the "much water" – a detail that seems simple but actually points to the sheer scale of people responding to his ministry. It wasn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026