King James Bible
"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."
John the Baptist acknowledges his ministry of water baptism, a ritual cleansing that symbolized repentance and preparation for God's kingdom. His baptism was external and symbolic, calling people to turn from sin in anticipation of the Messiah's arrival. John contrasts his preparatory work with the superior baptism Jesus will bring—an internal, transformative immersion in God's Spirit. This prophecy points to Pentecost and the new covenant reality where believers receive the Spirit's indwelling power, marking a shift from external ritual to internal renewal.