john the baptist

Friendly

Certainly! Let’s break down the term "John the Baptist" for you.

Definition:

John the Baptist is a proper noun that refers to a significant figure in Christianity. He was a preacher and a hermit who lived in the desert and is known for baptizing people in the River Jordan. He is considered a forerunner to Jesus Christ, meaning he prepared the way for Jesus’s teachings and mission. He is famously known for baptizing Jesus himself. John the Baptist was eventually beheaded by King Herod at the request of Salome, Herod's stepdaughter.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You would use "John the Baptist" when talking about figures from the Bible, specifically in Christian contexts, or when discussing religious history.
• Example Sentence: "John the Baptist is celebrated for his role in the New Testament as the one who baptized Jesus."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might encounter John the Baptist in theological studies, sermons, or discussions about Christian traditions, especially during Easter or Christmas when his story is often referenced.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the term "John the Baptist" since it's a proper noun. However, you might refer to him simply as "Baptist" when the context is clear.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, the term "baptist" can refer to someone who performs baptism, a Christian sacrament of initiation and purification.

Synonyms:

• There are no exact synonyms for "John the Baptist," but you might encounter other figures in Christianity like Jesus or the Apostles in similar contexts.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "John the Baptist," the concept of baptism is often used metaphorically. For example, "to baptize someone into a new role" means to introduce someone to a new position or responsibility, often in a ceremonial way.

Summary:

John the Baptist is an important biblical figure known for baptizing Jesus and preaching repentance. He represents preparation and the beginning of Jesus's ministry. You would use this term in religious discussions or when studying the Bible.

Academic

Noun

1. (New Testament) a preacher and hermit and forerunner of Jesus (whom he baptized); was beheaded by Herod at the request of Salome

Synonyms

• John the Baptist
• St. John the Baptist