# Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the part of the story about John the Baptist. It describes what happened after he baptized Jesus.

# After he was baptized

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "After John baptized Jesus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# behold

The word "behold" here alerts us to pay attention to the surprising information that follows.

# the heavens were opened to him

This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: "Jesus saw the sky open" or "God opened the heavens to Jesus" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-activepassive]])

# coming down like a dove

Possible meanings are 1) this is simply a statement that the Spirit was in the form of a dove or 2) this is a simile that compares the Spirit coming down upon Jesus gently, the way a dove would. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-simile]])