## as the people ## This refers to the same people who came to John. This could be translated as "because the people." ## I baptize you with water ## "I baptize using water" or "I baptize by means of water" ## not worthy even to untie the strap of his sandals ## This could be translated as "not important enough even to loosen the straps of his sandals." Untying the straps of sandals was a duty of a slave. John was saying that the one who would come is so great that John was not even worthy enough to be his slave. ## sandals ## Sandals are shoes with straps that hold the bottom of the shoe to the foot. It could be translated as "shoes" or "flip-flops" or "thongs." ## He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire ## This metaphor compares literal baptism that brings a person into contact with water to a spiritual baptism that brings them into contact with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])