Because the New Testament was originally written in Greek, we must examine the meaning of the words we read in the New Testament from the perspective of Greek grammar and syntax. Two keywords stand out to us in this inquiry: baptism and water. We must understand what the word “baptism” is explained as in the New Testament’s original language to grasp its significance better. To accomplish this, we do not need to be able to communicate in Greek. Still, we will need access to, and the ability to consult, a Greek biblical dictionary.
The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptisma,” which means “the process of immersion, submersion, and emergence.” We learned that the Greek word for baptism is “baptisma” using Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary. The word “to dip” is the root of the verb “baptizo” (βαπτίζω), which derives its meaning from the form “bapto.” The ancient Greeks followed this method when referring to many processes, such as the death of a garment, the drawing of water by dipping one vessel into another, etc. Therefore, when the words “water” and “baptism” are combined, the phrase “water baptism” refers to the act of “immersing,” “submerging,” or “dipping” into water. This is the definition of what it means to be baptized in water.
Therefore, if you want to be baptized, you must ask a disciple of Jesus to submerge you in water and call it a ceremony. Regarding the spiritual significance of dipping into the water, we will examine together what Jesus through his apostles says about how you might put the principles of the kingdom into practice most effectively.
