3:16 out of the water. The wording here shows clearly that Jesus was immersed in the waters of the river, going up “out of the water,” not out of the river.

3:16 like a dove. The dove is only a symbol of the Holy Spirit, of course, but it was vital that the people should get some confirmation here at the start of Christ’s public ministry, that John’s promise of the coming of the Holy Spirit would surely be fulfilled. The voice from heaven would provide this assurance from God Himself.