richmahn_en_tn/luk/03/16.md

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John answered by saying to them all

John's answer about a greater person coming clearly implies that John is not the Christ. It may be helpful to state this clearly for your audience. Alternate translation: "John clarified that he was not the Christ by saying to them all" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit)

I baptize you with water

"I baptize using water" or "I baptize by means of water"

not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals

"not important enough even to loosen the straps of his sandals." Untying the straps of sandals was a duty of a slave. John was saying that the one who would come is so great that John was not even worthy enough to be his slave.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire

This metaphor compares literal baptism that brings a person into contact with water to a spiritual baptism that brings them into contact with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

fire

Here the word "fire" may refer to 1) judgment or 2) purification. It is preferred to leave it as "fire" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)