John 1:23
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Original Language Analysis
ἔφη
He said
G5346
ἔφη
He said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
1 of 16
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
φωνὴ
am the voice
G5456
φωνὴ
am the voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
3 of 16
a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language
βοῶντος
of one crying
G994
βοῶντος
of one crying
Strong's:
G994
Word #:
4 of 16
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
7 of 16
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
10 of 16
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
Mark 1:3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.Matthew 3:3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.John 3:28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
Historical Context
Isaiah 40 begins the 'Book of Comfort,' promising restoration after exile. The voice crying in the wilderness announces the end of spiritual exile—God is returning to His people. John's desert ministry location symbolized judgment and preparation, calling Israel out from corrupt Jerusalem religion to encounter God afresh. His baptism symbolized cleansing in preparation for Messiah's arrival.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you be a 'voice' preparing the way for Christ in your relationships and sphere of influence?
- What does 'making straight the way' look like practically in preparing hearts for the gospel?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John identifies himself through Isaiah 40:3: 'I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord.' He claims no personal title but defines himself by function—a voice preparing for another. The imagery of making paths straight derives from ancient Near Eastern custom of preparing roads for approaching royalty. John's preaching prepared hearts for the King's arrival. He is a voice, not the Word; a herald, not the Message; a servant, not the Master.