# Didache 7.3

- Author: Anonymous
- Work: [Didache](https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/didache/) (*Doctrina duodecim apostolorum*)
- Date: ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) (disputed)
- Source: Lake, LCL 24:320; Kirsopp Lake, ed. and trans., The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1, LCL 24 (London: Heinemann; New York: Macmillan, 1912), 308–333 (Greek text: K. Lake, The Apostolic Fathers (LCL, 1912-1913), digitized by the First Thousand Years of Greek project (Open Greek and Latin), CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Translation: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), 2026-09-26
- Canonical URL: https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/didache/7/3/

Summary: If there is not enough water, pour water on the head three times.

## Greek text

ἐὰν δὲ ἀμφότερα μὴ ἔχῃς, ἔκχεον εἰς τὴν κεφαλὴν τρὶς ὕδωρ εἰς ὄνομα πατρὸς καὶ υἱοῦ καὶ ἁγίου πνεύματος.

## English translation (Claude)

If you have neither, pour water on the head three times in the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit.

## Scripture references

- Matt 28:19: allusion, high confidence

## Translation notes

- The earliest Christian text to allow baptism by pouring.

## Citation (SBL)

Did. 7.3 (trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/fathers/didache/7/3/).