Although the clearest meaning of baptism or baptize is to dip or immerse, several Christian traditions sprinkle or pour, normally associated with traditions that practice pedobaptism (infant baptism). This seems to be done by marginalizing or even ignoring the grammatical, historical, and metaphorical meaning of the terms.
David Allen writes, “After noting most translators employ a transliterated form of the Greek word (which they themselves have done), they state in some languages this would be ‘inappropriate, especially if another term or expression has already been employed and is widely accepted by groups practicing various types or forms of baptism.’[1] This is an egregious example of lexical prejudice that ignores the clear evidence that baptizō means ‘to immerse’ in terms of mode.”[2]
Benjam J. Snyder writes, “βάπτισμα (baptisma) … immersion. Refers to the act of being immersed in liquid, usually water. This term is only found in Christian literature. In the New Testament, it is often found in the fixed expressions βάπτισμα Ἰωάννου (baptisma Iōannou, “immersion of John”; e.g., Luke 7:29; 20:4; Acts 18:25) or βάπτισμα μετανοίας (baptisma metanoias, “immersion of repentance”; e.g., Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4).”[3] Snyder goes on to say, “βαπτιστής (baptistēs) … immerser, one who immerses. Always used as a title for John, the forerunner of Jesus.”[4]
The New American Standard Dictionary says, “βαπτίζω baptize, to dip, sink:—Baptist(3), baptize(9), baptized(51), baptizes(1), baptizing(10), ceremonially washed(1), undergo(1).[5] βάπτισμα baptisma;(the result of) a dipping or sinking:—baptism(20).[6]“βάπτισμα baptisma; (the act of) a dipping or washing:—washing(1), washings(2).[7]
The historical “Didache contained instructions for Christian groups, and its statement of belief may be the first written catechism.”[8] “According to the Didache (early second century), different forms of baptism were practiced in the early church, but with evident preference given to immersion.”[9]
By every indication, it seems that when Phillip baptized the Ethiopian, it was by immersion. Luke writes, “And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). There seems to be little reason for both to go down into the water to sprinkle.
Mark describes Jesus’ baptism in a way that indicates he was immersed. “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him” (Mark 1:9–10).
Symbolically, baptism is compared to death and burial. Paul said, “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3–4). Immersion, the primary meaning and use of the word baptism, is reflected here rather than pouring or sprinkling.
David L. Allen writes, “Etymologically, baptizō clearly means ‘immerse.’ However, meaning cannot be determined by etymology alone. The usage of a term must be carefully studied to determine its meaning. When this is done with baptizein, the term unquestionably means ‘immerse.’ Paedobaptists argue that the secular usage of baptizō cannot determine its meaning in the New Testament. While it is certainly true that lexicography alone cannot determine meaning or usage, the lexicon cannot be ignored or minimized as is often the case with paedobaptists.”[10]
[1] Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, vol. 2 (New York: United Bible Societies), 536-38.
[2] https://drdavidlallen.com/meaning-and-use-of-baptizo-in-the-new-testament-baptism-and-baptists-part-5/ accessed 9/22/26.
[3] Benjamin J. Snyder, “Baptism,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[4] Benjamin J. Snyder, “Baptism,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[5] 907.βαπτίζω baptizō; from 911; Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
[6] 908.βάπτισμα baptisma; from 907; Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
[7] 910, βάπτισμα baptisma; from 907; Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries: Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
[8] https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/study/module/didache accessed 9/22/26.
[9] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 537. (emphasis added)
[10] https://drdavidlallen.com/meaning-and-use-of-baptizo-in-the-new-testament-baptism-and-baptists-part-5/ accessed 9/22/26.
