What is the meaning of water baptism?

• Baptism symbolizes a new beginning

“19 in which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison, 20 that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water: 21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:19-21)

God was very patient with man, but wickedness having increased on the earth decided to start again with Noah. This is how the waters of the flood were sent, to wash away the old way of life of men, and to mark a new beginning with Noah. To be baptized is also to mark a separation from the old man, in order to put on the new man.