Mode of Baptism

V. MODE OF BAPTISM
"Submersion, immersion, and emergence" is the meaning of the Greek word "BAPTISMA" (from 'BAPTO", to dip). Is it then proper to administer the Ordinance of Baptism by that of sprinkling, instead of immersion?  The answer would be "No," as we shall see.  The Greek word for "sprinkle" or "sprinkling," as found in Hebrews 9:13, is the verb "RHANTIZO," which is never used in reference to a Christian's baptism.

"For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer, sprinkling (RHANTIZO) the unclean..."

Since the Christian's baptism symbolically identifies one's faith in the death, burial, and Resurrection of Christ; it is, therefore, the Holy Spirit which chose "BAPTISMA" (immersion) instead of "RHANTIZO" (sprinkling).

It should also be noticed that our English words, "baptize, baptism, and baptized" are not a translation from the Greek, but a transliteration.  For example, in 1 Corinthians 1:16, Paul stated...

"And I baptized (BAPTIZO) also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized (BAPTIZO) any other."

Here the Greek is brought over into the English without the meaning being translated into English.  Had the King James Version translated the meaning of "BAPTIZO" into our English, you would then be reading the verse this way...

"And I immersed (BAPTIZO) also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I immersed (BAPTIZO) any other." In recapitulation, our English "baptize" is a transliteration from the Greek, "BAPTIZO," which comes from "BAPTA," meaning "to immerse, dip"; derived from a root meaning "deep."

It is interesting that the Holy Spirit would record why John the Baptist was baptizing in Enon, near to Salim...

"And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, BECAUSE there was MUCH WATER there: and they came, and were baptized ("BAPTIZO," immersed)." - John 3:23

Three things become immediately apparent: First, John went where there was "much water."  If sprinkling was the method, then this would have been unnecessary.  Secondly, notice that "they came."  Whoever they were, and wherever they came from, it was because there was not enough water to immerse them.  Thirdly, the Greek word, itself, means "immersion"; not "sprinkling."