Luke 3 · a question people ask

John says, "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire" (3:16). What is the fire?

In the text

Luke doesn't say, and John doesn't explain it in these verses. He speaks of fire three times. Of the tree: "Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (3:9). Of the one who comes after him: "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire" (3:16). And of the chaff: "he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (3:17). Luke doesn't say whether the fire of 3:16 is the same as the fire of 3:9 or 3:17. Mark and Matthew give John's saying in their own words: "he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (Mark 1:8), and "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 3:11). Favor's Mark 1 sets the sayings side by side in its go-deeper "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit". Luke gives no more of what John meant, and these notes don't say what the fire is.

The verses

“Even now the ax also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.””
Luke 3:9 · World English Bible
“John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.””
Luke 3:16-17 · World English Bible
“I baptized you in water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.””
Mark 1:8 · World English Bible
““I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 3:11 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Luke 3

Luke 3: What then must we do?

Luke says Jesus was praying when the sky was opened (3:21); in the verse after John's "unquenchable fire" (3:17), he says John "preached good news to the people" (3:18); and he gives Jesus's line from "the son (as was supposed) of Joseph" (3:23) back past Abraham to "the son of Adam, the son of God" (3:38).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Luke 3

All questions about Luke →

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Last reviewed October 1, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions