Matthew 3

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

In those times, John the Baptist emerged, passionately spreading his message in the desolate heart of Judaea.

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Turn back, change your ways, because the divine realm of heaven is closer than you think.

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

This refers to the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah - a lone voice calling out in the wilderness, urging us to ready ourselves for the Lord's arrival and to clear a direct path for Him.

And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

John, a humble man, wore simple clothes made of camel's hair and a leather belt. His diet was as modest as his attire, consisting of locusts and wild honey.

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

People from Jerusalem, all of Judaea, and the entire Jordan region flocked to him, filled with anticipation and curiosity.

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

They received baptism in the Jordan river, openly admitting their mistakes with deep remorse.

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?

Seeing the crowd of Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he challenged them, "You brood of snakes! Who tipped you off about escaping the coming divine anger?"

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Show genuine change in your actions as proof of your sincere regret.

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Don't just assume that being descendants of Abraham makes you special. I tell you, God can create descendants for Abraham from these very stones.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Indeed, I cleanse you with water as a symbol of your remorse. But remember, someone far more powerful than me is coming. I'm not even fit to carry his shoes. He will immerse you in the divine spirit and purifying fire.

Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

He holds the power to cleanse and sort, gathering the good and discarding the bad with a fire that never dies.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Jesus, filled with purpose, journeyed from Galilee to Jordan, seeking John's blessing through baptism.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

But John stopped him, expressing, "It's me who needs your baptism, why are you coming to me?"

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Jesus, with a gentle voice, replied, "Let it be, for now. It's necessary for us to do this to uphold all that is good and right." And so, he allowed it.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

As Jesus came up out of the water after his baptism, he looked up to see the heavens open. He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting upon him.

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Suddenly, a voice echoed from the sky, filled with love and pride, "This is my cherished Son, who fills my heart with joy."