What is The Definition of Baptize?
Baptize means to submerge or immerse in water. Baptism is an ordinance in the Church that new converts to the faith are to do as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here's a Greek work study on the different words that are used for baptism and its related words:
Greek Word Study – Baptize / Baptism
1. βαπτίζω (baptizō)
Part of Speech: Verb
Root: βαπτίζω – to immerse, submerge
Meaning: To immerse, dip, or wash; in the NT context, it refers to ritual or symbolic immersion in water for repentance, initiation, or identification with Christ.
Usage Notes:
Indicates full immersion in water rather than sprinkling.
Symbolically represents cleansing from sin, death to the old life, and union with Christ in resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
Can also carry the sense of being immersed in the Holy Spirit or suffering (Mark 10:38).
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 3:11 – “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”
Matthew 28:19 – “Go and make disciples…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”
Romans 6:4 – “We were buried with Him through baptism into death”
According to Scripture, baptism signifies identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, repentance, and entrance into the covenant community.
2. βαπτισμός (baptismos)
Part of Speech: Noun
Root: βαπτίζω (baptizō) – immersion
Meaning: A baptism; an act or rite of immersion.
Usage Notes:
Refers to both water baptism (John 3:23, Acts 8:36) and spiritual baptism (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Can also describe symbolic cleansing or dedication.
Key Scriptures:
Mark 1:8 – “I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”
According to Scripture, baptism (baptismos) is a visible sign of repentance and faith, entering into covenant relationship with God, and identification with Christ.
3. Related Terms / Concepts
| Term | Greek | Meaning | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptism of the Spirit | πνευματικός βαπτισμός | Spiritual immersion or empowerment by the Holy Spirit | Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:5 |
| John’s Baptism | βαπτισμός Ἰωάννου | Baptism of repentance | Matthew 3:6, Acts 19:4 |
| Into Christ | εἰς Χριστόν | Baptism symbolizes entering union with Christ | Romans 6:3–4, Galatians 3:27 |
Here are the Church Fathers views on the topic of baptism.
| Church Father (Time Period) | View with Scriptural Reference |
|---|---|
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Baptism cleanses sin and unites the soul to Christ. (Romans 6:4) |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Through baptism, the believer is reborn into the life of God. (John 3:5) |
| Jerome (347–420) | Baptism washes away past sins and sanctifies the soul. (Acts 22:16) |
| Gregory of Nyssa (335–395) | Initiation through water leads to spiritual renewal. (Titus 3:5) |
| Basil the Great (329–379) | Baptism is the first step in holy obedience to God. (1 Peter 3:21) |
| Ambrose of Milan (340–397) | Baptism unites the believer to Christ’s death and resurrection. (Romans 6:3–4) |
| Cyril of Alexandria (376–444) | Washing in baptism purifies the heart and makes it holy. (1 Corinthians 6:11) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Through baptism, one becomes a participant in Christ’s life. (Galatians 3:27) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Baptism is the seal of divine grace and spiritual birth. (Colossians 2:12) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | The waters of baptism cleanse the soul from iniquity. (Acts 2:38) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Baptism initiates believers into the Church and God’s family. (1 Corinthians 12:13) |
| Peter Chrysologus (c. 380–450) | Through baptism, sins are forgiven, and the soul is renewed. (Acts 22:16) |
| Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) | Baptism signifies the washing of sin and reception of the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:26) |
| Gregory Nazianzen (329–390) | Water baptism symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ. (Romans 6:4) |
| John of Damascus (675–749) | Baptism is a sacred rite of purification and spiritual regeneration. (1 Peter 3:21) |
| Maximus the Confessor (580–662) | Baptism unites the human soul with divine life. (Galatians 3:27) |
| Bede the Venerable (673–735) | Through baptism, believers are sanctified and made members of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13) |
| Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) | Baptism is a sacrament of cleansing and new birth. (John 3:5) |
| Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) | Baptism washes away sin and confers divine grace. (Acts 2:38) |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) | Baptism removes original sin and incorporates the soul into Christ. (Romans 6:4) |
| John Cassian (360–435) | Water baptism signifies dying to sin and rising to righteousness. (Romans 6:4) |
| Gregory of Tours (538–594) | Baptism brings forgiveness and sanctification to believers. (Acts 22:16) |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202) | Baptism grants rebirth and union with Christ. (Titus 3:5) |
| Tertullian (155–240) | The washing of baptism cleanses both soul and body. (1 Corinthians 6:11) |
| Origen (184–253) | Baptism is necessary for spiritual regeneration and entrance into the Church. (John 3:5) |
| Cyprian of Carthage (200–258) | Baptism removes sin and imparts the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38) |
| Clement of Alexandria (150–215) | Baptism is a sacred washing that brings spiritual enlightenment. (Ephesians 5:26) |
| John Climacus (579–649) | Through baptism, the believer is spiritually reborn and sanctified. (Titus 3:5) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Baptism makes the soul holy and a member of Christ’s body. (1 Corinthians 12:13) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Baptism is the seal of salvation and union with Christ. (Galatians 3:27) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | The washing of baptism signifies forgiveness and divine adoption. (Acts 2:38) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | Baptism is the gateway to holiness and eternal life. (1 Peter 3:21) |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430) | Baptism is the instrument of cleansing and rebirth. (John 3:5) |
| John Chrysostom (347–407) | Baptism brings spiritual regeneration and participation in Christ’s life. (Romans 6:4) |
| Jerome (347–420) | Through baptism, believers are washed and sanctified. (1 Corinthians 6:11) |
| Gregory of Nyssa (335–395) | Baptism signifies dying to sin and rising to new life. (Romans 6:4) |
| Basil the Great (329–379) | Water baptism is the first step toward sanctification. (1 Peter 3:21) |
| Ambrose of Milan (340–397) | Baptism purifies the soul and initiates union with God. (Ephesians 5:26) |
| Cyril of Alexandria (376–444) | Baptism is a cleansing and transformative sacrament. (Acts 22:16) |
| Athanasius of Alexandria (296–373) | Through baptism, the believer receives the Spirit and eternal life. (Galatians 3:27) |
| Ephrem the Syrian (306–373) | Baptism is a sacred washing and spiritual renewal. (Colossians 2:12) |
| Isidore of Pelusium (d. 436) | The waters of baptism remove iniquity and sanctify. (Romans 6:4) |
| Leo the Great (400–461) | Baptism initiates believers into Christ’s body and kingdom. (1 Corinthians 12:13) |
| Peter Chrysologus (c. 380–450) | Baptism forgives sins and confers sanctifying grace. (Acts 22:16) |
| Hilary of Poitiers (c. 310–367) | Water baptism is a sacred act of purification and regeneration. (Titus 3:5) |
| Gregory Nazianzen (329–390) | Baptism symbolizes the washing of sins and spiritual rebirth. (Romans 6:4) |
| John of Damascus (675–749) | Baptism cleanses the soul, grants grace, and begins new life. (1 Peter 3:21) |
| Maximus the Confessor (580–662) | Baptism unites the human soul to divine life. (Galatians 3:27) |
| Bede the Venerable (673–735) | Through baptism, believers are sanctified and incorporated into Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:13) |
| Anselm of Canterbury (1033–1109) | Baptism removes sin and initiates participation in God’s life. (John 3:5) |
| Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) | Baptism cleanses and sanctifies the faithful. (Acts 2:38) |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) | Baptism restores the soul and incorporates it into Christ’s body. (Romans 6:4) |
| John Cassian (360–435) | Baptism signifies dying to sin and rising to holiness. (Romans 6:4) |
| Gregory of Tours (538–594) | Baptism forgives sins, sanctifies, and welcomes the believer to the Church. (Acts 22:16) |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (130–202) | Baptism is the beginning of spiritual life and adoption as God’s children. (Titus 3:5) |
Previously, the focus was on water baptism, but in Scripture there are different types of baptisms. Here's a detailed look at these with scriptural reference and instances in Scripture below.
1. Water Baptism (Baptism of Repentance)
Greek: βαπτισμός ὕδατος (baptismos hydatos)
Meaning: Immersion in water as a sign of repentance and cleansing from sin.
Purpose: Symbolizes death to sin, cleansing, and initiation into the covenant people of God.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 3:11 – John the Baptist: “He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire; I baptize you with water.”
Acts 2:38 – “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
2. Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Greek: πνευματικός βαπτισμός (pneumatikos baptismos)
Meaning: Being immersed or filled with the Holy Spirit.
Purpose: Spiritual empowerment, gifting for ministry, and union with Christ.
Key Scriptures:
Acts 1:5 – Jesus: “You shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.”
Note: Not a physical immersion but a spiritual reality. It may accompany water baptism (Acts 2) or occur separately (Acts 10).
3. Baptism into Christ
Greek: εἰς Χριστόν (eis Christon)
Meaning: Union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Purpose: Identification with Christ’s work of salvation; entering the new covenant.
Key Scriptures:
Romans 6:3–4 – “We were buried with Him through baptism into death; we were raised to walk in newness of life.”
Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
4. Baptism of Fire
Greek: βαπτισμός πυρός (baptismos pyros)
Meaning: Purifying, refining, or judgmental experience likened to fire.
Purpose: Purification of the believer or judgment of the wicked; symbolic of the Holy Spirit’s refining work.
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 3:11–12 – John the Baptist contrasts his water baptism with Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire.
Note: Some scholars see it as a metaphor for trials and sanctification, others as the final judgment.
5. Baptism for Suffering / Persecution
Greek: βαπτίζω (baptizō) used figuratively
Meaning: Being “immersed” in trials, suffering, or death for Christ.
Purpose: Identification with Christ in His sufferings; refining faith.
Key Scriptures:
Mark 10:38–39 – Jesus: “Are you able to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” (referring to His impending suffering and death)
Luke 12:50 – “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I constrained until it be accomplished!”
| Type of Baptism | Greek Term | Key Meaning | Scripture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Baptism | βαπτισμός ὕδατος | Repentance, cleansing, covenant entry | Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:38 |
| Spirit Baptism | πνευματικός βαπτισμός | Empowerment, spiritual union | Acts 1:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13 |
| Into Christ | εἰς Χριστόν | Union with Christ’s death & resurrection | Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27 |
| Baptism of Fire | βαπτισμός πυρός | Refinement, purification, judgment | Matthew 3:11–12 |
| Baptism of Suffering | βαπτίζω | Sharing Christ’s suffering, trials | Mark 10:38–39; Luke 12:50 |
Scriptures That Show Different Types of Baptism
Acts 18:8
Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.
Get Free Prophetic Word For Your Life
Colossians 2:11–12
In [Christ] you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Galatians 3:26–27
In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ
It is our prayer that this detailed look at baptism from these perspectives has been helpful to you in your walk with the Lord in Jesus' Name.
