Definition: And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from John 1:32: “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.” Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes the very first moment of God’s action with Jesus. “John bare record”: This means John was writing down what he saw. He was observing and documenting something significant. “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven…” – This is a key phrase. The "Spirit" here isn't just any spirit; it’s God’s Holy Spirit, the divine presence that empowers us and connects us to God. It’s descending - meaning it’s coming down from somewhere. “like a dove”: This is a really powerful image! The Dove is often associated with peace, hope, and new beginnings. It's being described as descending like a dove – gentle, light, and peaceful. So, the whole picture is that God sent His Spirit down to Jesus. It’s like when a bird descends from the sky - it signifies something important and divine happening. What does this tell us about Jesus? He was special: This verse emphasizes that Jesus isn't just any human; he’s uniquely touched by God’s Spirit. He’s empowered: The Spirit is abiding (dwelling) on Jesus, which means it’s actively working with him and giving him power and authority. In short, it’s a beautiful description of the beginning of Jesus' life – a moment of divine presence that fundamentally changed everything. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: Why is the Dove a symbol of God? What does it mean for the Spirit to "abide" on someone?