King James Bible
"John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:"
John the Baptist acknowledges his ministry of water baptism, which symbolized repentance and ceremonial cleansing. His baptism was preparatory, addressing the crowd's speculation about whether he might be the Messiah. John declares the coming one's supreme authority by using the image of a slave's most menial task—removing sandals. This vivid comparison emphasizes the vast gulf between John's prophetic role and the Messiah's divine status. The coming baptism transcends ritual washing to bring spiritual transformation through the Holy Spirit and purifying judgment. Fire represents both God's refining presence and the separating of wheat from chaff, pointing to both salvation and judgment.