Joh 3:22-23 | RWP | e4.org | After these things ( μετα ταυτα ). Transition after the interview with Nicodemus. For the phrase see ; ; . Into the land of Judea ( εις την Ιουδαιαν γην ). Into the country districts outside of Jerusalem. The only example of this phrase in the N.T., but "the region of Judea" ( η Ιουδαια χωρα ) in . He tarried ( διετριβεν ). Descriptive imperfect active of διατριβω , old verb to rub between or hard, to spend time ( ). Baptized ( εβαπτιζεν ). Imperfect active of βαπτιζω . "He was baptizing." The six disciples were with him and in John explains that Jesus did the baptizing through the disciples.

‏ John 3:22-23

After these things ( μετα ταυτα ). Transition after the interview with Nicodemus. For the phrase see 5:1; 6:1; 7:1.

Into the land of Judea ( εις την Ιουδαιαν γην ). Into the country districts outside of Jerusalem. The only example of this phrase in the N.T., but "the region of Judea" ( η Ιουδαια χωρα ) in Mr 1:5.

He tarried ( διετριβεν ). Descriptive imperfect active of διατριβω, old verb to rub between or hard, to spend time (Ac 14:3).

Baptized ( εβαπτιζεν ). Imperfect active of βαπτιζω. "He was baptizing." The six disciples were with him and in 4:2 John explains that Jesus did the baptizing through the disciples.

John was also baptizing ( ην δε κα ο Ιωανης βαπτιζων ). Periphrastic imperfect picturing the continued activity of the Baptist simultaneous with the growing work of Jesus. There was no real rivalry except in people's minds.

In Aenon near to Salim ( εν Αινων εγγυς του Σαλειμ ). It is not clearly known where this place was. Eusebius locates it in the Jordan valley south of Beisan west of the river where are many springs (fountains, eyes). There is a place called Salim east of Shechem in Samaria with a village called 'Aimen, but with no water there. There may have been water there then, of course.

Because there was much water there ( οτ υδατα πολλα ην εκε ). "Because many waters were there." Not for drinking, but for baptizing. "Therefore even in summer baptism by immersion could be continued" (Marcus Dods).

And they came, and were baptized ( κα παρεγινοντο κα εβαπτιζοντο ). Imperfects both, one middle and the other passive, graphically picturing the long procession of pilgrims who came to John confessing their sins and receiving baptism at his hands.