John the Baptist

noun

1. (in the Bible) the forerunner and baptizer of Jesus.

John the Baptist

noun

1. Saint John the Baptist
   New Testament John the Baptist, Saintc. 6–2 bc36 adMJewishRELIGION: prophetRELIGION: preacher the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth and the cousin and forerunner of Jesus, whom he baptized. He was beheaded by Herod (Matthew 14:1–2). Feast day: June 24

John the Baptist

1. A hermit and preacher among the Jews (see also Jews ) of the time of Jesus and a relative of Jesus. According to the Gospels , John declared, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” Christians (see also Christian ) interpret this to mean that John was sent to prepare for the coming of the Messiah . John was known as “the Baptist” because he called on his followers to go through a ceremony of baptism to demonstrate their repentance for their sins; Jesus began his public life by submitting himself to John's baptism. John was eventually imprisoned by Herod Antipas, the ruler of the province of Galilee, for objecting to Herod's illicit marriage. At a banquet, Herod rashly promised his stepdaughter, Salome , anything she asked; she asked for the head of John on a platter. Herod, not wanting to go back on his promise, had John beheaded.

Example Sentences

Nothing remains of the 12th century church of John-the-Baptist.

From Project Gutenberg

I'm goin' ahead to John-the-Baptist this procession and air the parlor bedrooms.

From Project Gutenberg