History of Baptism

A One-Word Definition

In studying the history of Baptism, we would all like a one-word definition of BAPTIDZO or Baptidzo. Yet, this one word interpretation has defied translators and translations, for thousands years, not only in English, but also in every language on the globe. This difficulty in translation has resulted in the transliteration of Baptidzo into the various languages of the world instead of its translation. The result is that the Greek word Baptidzo has been brought into the English language as the word “baptize.” Some foolishly claim that this was done because the translators were not Baptist and therefore were being dishonest in not admitting that Baptidzo means “to dip” (spelled i-m-m-e-r-s-e).

However, in studying the history of Baptism, if forced to pick one word as a translation of Baptidzo into English, that word might be “merse.” Merse is actually a word brought into the English language from the Latin. From this word we get our more common English word, immerse. The Latin form is “mergo” and like Baptidzo expresses a condition characterized by in-ness of position, or envelopment. The reason immerse is not quite as good as merse is simply because the “in” (or em in Greek) is missing in Baptidzo and should not, therefore, be added by the translator.

As indicated, merse is defined as “a state of in-ness.” But, the word mersion (or Baptidzo) does not tell you how this state of in-ness occurred—or the result of having been “in.” In other words, neither the mode of action used to produce this state of in-ness nor the result of this condition of in-ness is not found in the English word, merse, or in the Greek word, Baptidzo either.

As stated, merse is the stem from our more common English word immerse with the preposition removed. This preposition “in,” “im,” or em in Greek, tends to express movement and is not found in the word Baptidzo. There is no movement inherent in Baptidzo. There is a Greek word, embaptidzo (embaptidzo), in which this preposition “in,” “im,” or “em” is found. Immersion is the proper translation for embaptidzo (embaptidzo). However, embaptidzo (embaptidzo) is not Baptidzo but another word with a different meaning. Therefore immersion is not an acceptable translation for Baptidzo even though it is for embaptidzo (embaptidzo). But the word embaptidzo is never used in the Bible for Christian baptism.

As was said, although it is impossible to translate Baptidzo into English (or any other language) with one word for all situations, yet if one word were demanded, merse or mersion (a state of in-ness or envelopment), could often be that word. Merse or mersed commends itself in three ways: 1) it is often used where objects are placed in a fluid or any fluid with penetrates easily. 2) It does not depend upon a specific act. Merse is a condition of envelopment regardless how the condition was caused. 3) The word has no limit of duration or time. The duration of the mersion could be short, long or permanent; merse does not address the point.

In the history of Baptism we do not find a perfect translation for baptism. And merse is not a perfect translation either. In fact, if the purpose of the use of Baptidzo is to express the influence of the mersion (and it generally does), then this word disappoints, for no influence is implied by merse. Cucumbers for example are enveloped, mersed in vinegar for the specific purpose of effecting the influence of vinegar on the cucumber, which is to pickle the cucumber. “Pickle” would be a good translation for Baptidzo in this situation. Merse does a poor job for it does not suggest the purpose or influence desired by the mersion.

But, worse yet, if Baptidzo is used exclusively to convey purpose or influence, without any enveloping agency (as it always does in Christian baptism), then merse noticeably fails. Yet Baptidzo is often used to convey influence without envelopment in Greek literature. One illustration is the purification (Baptidzo) of religious items and worshipers. The purpose of the Baptidzo is for the priest to impart, and for the item or person to receive, ritual purification. This is often done through means other than envelopment in a liquid. Merse is a total failure at conveying this meaning. The word “purification,” however, is a good translation for Baptidzo in such contexts.

The history of Baptism produces many challenges in determining the meaning of baptidzo.

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