Luke 3:15-18 Now during the people's continued anticipation – keeping an eye open and directed forward in watchful expectation – and while everyone kept on reasoning and debating in their hearts concerning John, whether perchance he might be the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah),

JMNT⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹⁵ Now during the people's continued anticipation – keeping an eye open and directed forward in watchful expectation – [and] while everyone kept on reasoning and debating in their hearts concerning John, whether perchance he might be the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah), ¹⁶ John gave a decided response, repeatedly saying, "I, myself, on the one hand am in the process of immersing (baptizing) you folks in (or: with) water. Yet on the other hand, the Person stronger than I is now progressively coming – the lace (or: strap; thong) of Whose sandals I am not competent (fit; sufficient) to loosen or untie. He, Himself, will proceed immersing (or: baptizing) you folks within the midst of set-apart Spirit (or: set-apart spirit; sacred attitude; Holy Breath-effect) and (or: even) Fire – ¹⁷ "Whose winnowing shovel (or: fork) [is] in His hand to thoroughly clean [other MSS: and He will thoroughly cleanse] His threshing floor and to gather together [with other MSS: He will collect] the grain into His storehouse (granary; barn) – but then He will progressively burn down (or: up) the chaff (husks and straw; = the useless remains of the dead plants) with (or: in) an inextinguishable Fire." [comment: the same fire as in vs. 16; cf 1 Cor. 3:7-17] ¹⁸ Then, indeed, constantly calling the people alongside to give encouragement, exhortation and assistance, he kept on bringing and announcing many and different things as good news of ease and wellness.