Isaiah 40:3
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Original Language Analysis
קוֹרֵ֔א
of him that crieth
H7121
קוֹרֵ֔א
of him that crieth
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
2 of 10
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַּמִּדְבָּ֕ר
in the wilderness
H4057
בַּמִּדְבָּ֕ר
in the wilderness
Strong's:
H4057
Word #:
3 of 10
a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
פַּנּ֖וּ
Prepare
H6437
פַּנּ֖וּ
Prepare
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
4 of 10
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
ye the way
H1870
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
ye the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
5 of 10
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יַשְּׁרוּ֙
make straight
H3474
יַשְּׁרוּ֙
make straight
Strong's:
H3474
Word #:
7 of 10
to be straight or even; figuratively, to be (causatively, to make) right, pleasant, prosperous
בָּעֲרָבָ֔ה
in the desert
H6160
בָּעֲרָבָ֔ה
in the desert
Strong's:
H6160
Word #:
8 of 10
a desert; especially (with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the jordan and its continuation to the red sea
Cross References
Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.John 1:23He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.Isaiah 57:14And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people.Isaiah 43:19Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Isaiah 49:11And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.Psalms 68:4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
Historical Context
While immediately addressing Israel's return from Babylonian exile, this prophecy reached its fullest expression in John the Baptist's preparatory ministry. John called people to repent and be baptized, making their hearts ready for Messiah. His message of repentance 'made straight' the path by removing obstacles of sin and unbelief. This pattern continues as the gospel must be preceded by conviction of sin and the need for salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'crooked places' in your own heart need to be made straight to better receive Christ's work?
- How does John's example of humble preparation challenge our approach to ministry and pointing others to Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This prophecy foretells the ministry of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The imagery of preparing a highway in the desert for a coming king draws from ancient Near Eastern practice where roads were prepared for royal visits. Spiritually, this speaks to the need for repentance and spiritual preparation before encountering the Holy One. All four Gospels cite this verse in reference to John's ministry (Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, Luke 3:4, John 1:23).