Matthew 3:15 is a pivotal moment in the New Testament, representing the first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. Because it contains the somewhat archaic phrase "to fulfill all righteousness," different translations handle the Greek text with varying degrees of literalism or modern phrasing.
Here is how Matthew 3:15 appears across the major English translations:
Literal & Traditional Translations
These versions stay closest to the original Greek structure and the traditional "King James" phrasing.
Dynamic & Modern Translations
These focus on "thought-for-thought" clarity, making the dialogue sound more like natural contemporary English.
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NIV (New International Version): Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.
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NLT (New Living Translation): But Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires." So John agreed to baptize him.
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CSB (Christian Standard Bible): Jesus answered him, "Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John allowed him.
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NET (New English Translation): So Jesus replied to him, "Let it happen now, for it is right for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way." Then John yielded to him.
Paraphrase & Unique Versions
These use more creative language to convey the underlying meaning or "vibe" of the scene.
The Message (MSG): Jesus find-tuned his answer: "Do it. God’s work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it.
Amplified Bible (AMP): But Jesus replied to him, "Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to perform completely whatever is right in the eyes of God, and should be done]." Then John permitted Him.
Quick Context Note
The Greek word used here is πληρῶσαι (plērōsai), which means to "fill up" or "complete." Most scholars agree that Jesus is saying his baptism is necessary to complete God's plan for salvation and to identify himself fully with humanity.
To understand the depth of Jesus’ response, looking at the Koine Greek is incredibly helpful. The phrase "fulfill all righteousness" carries a specific legal and prophetic weight in the original language.
Matthew 3:15 Original Greek
ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτόν· Ἄφες ἄρτι, οὕτως γὰρ πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην. τότε ἀφίησιν αὐτόν.
Word-for-Word Breakdown
Key Linguistic Insights
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"Permit it now" (Aphes arti): This suggests that while John’s hesitation was logically correct (Jesus didn't need a baptism of repentance), there was a higher, temporary necessity at play for the sake of the mission.
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"Fitting for us" (prepon hēmin): Jesus includes John in the responsibility. It wasn't just about Jesus receiving; it was about John’s role in "finishing" the preparation for the Messiah.
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"Righteousness" (dikaiosynēn): In Matthew's Gospel, this word often refers to doing exactly what God requires in His covenant plan. By being baptized, Jesus is identifying with sinful humanity and validating John’s ministry as being from God.
In the Gospel of Matthew, "righteousness" (dikaiosynē) is more than just a personal moral quality; it is a central theme that defines how a person lives in alignment with God’s kingdom.
While in Matthew 3:15 Jesus says he must be baptized to "fulfill all righteousness," he later expands this concept in the Sermon on the Mount (Chapters 5–7) to show what that fulfillment looks like in the lives of his followers.
1. Righteousness as "Surpassing" the Law
In Matthew 5:20, Jesus makes a startling claim: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
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The Link: The Pharisees focused on external compliance with the letter of the Law. Jesus argues that true righteousness is internal.
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The Fulfillment: Just as Jesus’ baptism "fulfilled" the requirement of the moment, he tells his followers that righteousness means fulfilling the intent of God’s heart—not just avoiding murder, but avoiding nursing anger (Matthew 5:21-22).
2. Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:6), Jesus says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
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The Link: Righteousness is presented as a basic necessity for life, like food or water.
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The Fulfillment: This connects back to 3:15 because it shows that righteousness is something to be actively pursued and "done." It isn’t a passive state; it is an active seeking of God’s will and justice on earth.
3. Righteousness vs. Public Display
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus warns: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.”
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The Link: This provides a practical boundary. True righteousness is an act of devotion to God, not a performance for social status.
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The Fulfillment: When Jesus insisted on being baptized in Chapter 3, he wasn't doing it for show—he was submitting to John's "lowly" baptism to identify with humanity, demonstrating the humility he later preaches.
4. Seeking the Kingdom First
The most famous link is in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
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The Link: Righteousness is paired directly with the Kingdom of Heaven. To seek the Kingdom is to live by the standards of the King.
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The Fulfillment: By starting his ministry with the statement in 3:15, Jesus establishes that his entire mission—and the mission of his followers—is prioritized around God’s "right" way of doing things, above personal comfort or even logical expectations.
Summary Table: Righteousness in Matthew
Essentially, Jesus "fulfills" righteousness in Chapter 3 so that he can "teach" righteousness in Chapters 5–7. He models the obedience he eventually asks of his disciples.