Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 3:22

"and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon him, and a voice came out of heaven, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." — Luke 3:22 (ASV)

God had appeared in OT times through various theophanies. Now the Spirit appears in bodily form as a dove. Luke does not say that anyone other than Jesus was aware of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps others present saw only a dove without realizing its significance. This was followed by a voice, designating Jesus as the unique Son of God. The words, like those heard at the Transfiguration (9:35; see comments), blend two OT christological passages (Psalms 2:7; Isaiah 42:1). The concept of divine sonship in Jewish thought was not only applicable to angels (Job 1:6; Job 2:1) and to the nation of Israel and her kings (Exodus 4:22; 2 Samuel 7:14; Hosea 11:1), but it was also coming into use as a designation for the Messiah (cf. Lk 1:32). The words “love” (GK 28) and “well pleased” (Gk 2305) convey the idea of choice and special relationship. Jesus has now received his commission.