Mark 1:7

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

In his preaching John said, “One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave].

Cross References

Matthew 3:11

“I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows me [i.e., in my ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses 10 and 12].

Matthew 3:14

But John tried to discourage Him [from being immersed], when he said, “I should be immersed by you, and you are coming to me [for immersion]?”

Mark 1:6

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and he had a leather belt around his waist. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

Mark 1:8

I am immersing you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16

John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, “I am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12].

John 1:27

He is the One who will follow my ministry; [and] I do not deserve to untie his sandal lace.”

Acts 13:25

As John was completing his ministry he said [to the great crowds], ‘Who do you people think I am? [No], I am not the Messiah. But look, Someone is coming [to Israel] after [I complete] my mission whose sandal straps I am not even worthy to unfasten.’

Acts 19:4

Paul [then] said, “John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him.”