### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βάπτισμα (báptisma, `{{G908}}`) is derived from the verb βαπτίζω (baptizō, `{{G907}}`), which fundamentally means "to immerse," "to dip," or "to submerge." While the root verb can refer to any act of immersion, βάπτισμα specifically denotes a ritual or symbolic immersion. Its semantic range in the New Testament extends from the literal act of water baptism to figurative "baptisms" of suffering or spiritual identification. It implies a transformative experience, a change of state or identity through immersion, signifying a transition from one condition or allegiance to another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βάπτισμα appears 20 times in the New Testament, revealing distinct yet related applications:
1. **John's Baptism of Repentance:** The most frequent initial usage refers to the "baptism of repentance" administered by John the Baptist. This is seen in [[Matthew 3:7]], [[Mark 1:4]], [[Luke 3:3]], [[Acts 1:22]], and [[Acts 19:3]]. John's baptism was a public declaration of repentance, symbolizing a cleansing from sin and a commitment to a new way of life in anticipation of the coming Messiah. It prepared people for the kingdom of God.
2. **Christian Baptism:** Following Christ's resurrection and the Great Commission, βάπτισμα becomes the term for Christian baptism, a rite of initiation into the Christian faith. Examples include [[Matthew 28:19]], [[Acts 2:38]], [[Acts 8:36]], [[Romans 6:4]], and [[Galatians 3:27]]. This baptism is performed "into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," signifying identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It marks a believer's entry into the new covenant community.
3. **Figurative Baptism of Suffering:** Jesus himself speaks of a "baptism" that he must undergo, referring to his impending suffering and death (e.g., [[Mark 10:38-39]], [[Luke 12:50]]). This usage highlights the concept of complete immersion into a profound and challenging experience, specifically one of sacrifice and redemptive suffering. It underscores that βάπτισμα can signify a transformative identification with a state or destiny.
4. **The "One Baptism" of Ephesians:** Paul emphasizes "one baptism" in [[Ephesians 4:5]], pointing to the singular, unifying nature of Christian initiation and identification with Christ, distinguishing it from other forms of baptism or religious rites.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding βάπτισμα is enhanced by examining its linguistic and theological connections:
* **βαπτίζω (baptizō, `{{G907}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to immerse, dip, baptize." The action of immersion is foundational to the noun's meaning.
* **βαπτιστής (baptistēs, `{{G907}}`):** "Baptist," specifically referring to John the Baptist, the one who performed the baptism.
* **Repentance (μετάνοια, metanoia, `{{G3341}}`):** John's baptism was explicitly a "baptism of repentance," linking the outward sign to an inward change of mind and heart.
* **Forgiveness of Sins (ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν, aphesis hamartiōn, `{{G859}}` `{{G266}}`):** A stated purpose or outcome associated with baptism, particularly in [[Acts 2:38]].
* **New Life/Resurrection (ἀνάστασις, anastasis, `{{G386}}`):** Christian baptism is intimately connected to identification with Christ's death and resurrection, leading to a new life in Him ([[Romans 6:4]]).
* **Circumcision (περιτομή, peritomē, `{{G4061}}`):** Paul draws a parallel between physical circumcision in the Old Covenant and spiritual "circumcision of Christ" in baptism ([[Colossians 2:11-12]]), highlighting baptism as the new covenant sign of inclusion in God's people.
* **Washing/Cleansing (λούω, louō, `{{G3068}}`; ἀπολούω, apolouō, `{{G628}}`):** While not synonymous, the imagery of washing is inherent in immersion and is often associated with the cleansing from sin that baptism symbolizes.
* **Holy Spirit (πνεῦμα ἅγιον, pneuma hagion, `{{G4151}}` `{{G40}}`):** Though βάπτισμα itself doesn't directly mean "baptism of the Holy Spirit," the Spirit's work is often seen as the divine reality accompanying or empowering water baptism ([[Acts 1:5]], [[1 Corinthians 12:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βάπτισμα is profound and multifaceted:
* **Identification with Christ:** Christian baptism is a powerful theological act signifying a believer's co-crucifixion, co-burial, and co-resurrection with Christ ([[Romans 6:3-5]]). It is a public declaration of faith and a spiritual union with Him, marking a definitive break with the old life of sin and a commitment to new life in Christ.
* **Initiation into the Body of Christ:** Baptism marks entry into the community of believers, the Church. [[1 Corinthians 12:13]] states that believers are "baptized into one body by one Spirit," emphasizing its role in unifying believers in Christ.
* **Symbol of Cleansing and New Creation:** The immersion in water symbolizes the washing away of sin and the emergence into a new life, freed from the dominion of sin. It is a visible sign of an invisible spiritual reality, a divine act of cleansing and regeneration.
* **Covenantal Sign:** Similar to circumcision in the Old Covenant, baptism serves as the New Covenant sign, marking those who belong to God through Christ and are heirs of His promises. It is the outward sign of an inward grace.
* **Divine Command:** Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize, making it an essential practice for the church throughout all generations ([[Matthew 28:19]]). It is an act of obedience to the Lord.
* **Figurative Application:** Christ's own "baptism" of suffering highlights that the essence of βάπτισμα is a complete identification with a state or experience, even one involving profound suffering or transformative trial.
### Summary
The Greek term βάπτισμα (báptisma, `{{G908}}`) denotes an immersion, specifically a ritual or symbolic one. In the New Testament, it primarily refers to John's "baptism of repentance," which prepared people for the Messiah, and Christian baptism, the rite of initiation into the Christian faith. Christian baptism signifies a profound identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, leading to new life in Him and incorporation into His body, the Church. It serves as a powerful visible symbol of an inward spiritual reality: cleansing from sin, union with Christ, and participation in His new covenant. Beyond water baptism, the term is also used figuratively to describe Christ's immersion into suffering and death, underscoring the concept of complete identification with a transformative experience. Its theological significance lies in its role as a covenantal sign, a divine command, and a powerful symbol of spiritual transformation and union with Christ.
TRV