## 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 ##

"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]])

## fire ##

Here this refers to God's power. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])