Luke 3:4
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
As
G5613
ὡς
As
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 23
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 23
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
λόγων
of the words
G3056
λόγων
of the words
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
5 of 23
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
8 of 23
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος,
saying
G3004
λέγοντος,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 23
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Φωνὴ
The voice
G5456
Φωνὴ
The voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
10 of 23
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 #:
11 of 23
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
14 of 23
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
17 of 23
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 #:
18 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εὐθείας
straight
G2117
εὐθείας
straight
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
19 of 23
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
ποιεῖτε
make
G4160
ποιεῖτε
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
20 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
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.John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.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.Malachi 4:6And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.Isaiah 62:10Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.Mark 1:3The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Historical Context
Isaiah 40 began the 'Book of Comfort' announcing Israel's return from Babylonian exile. The imagery of preparing roads reflected ancient practice—advance crews prepared roads before a king's arrival, removing obstacles and leveling paths. John applies this to spiritual preparation—hearts must be readied for Messiah's coming through repentance. His wilderness location echoed Israel's formative wilderness period and recalled prophets who retreated to wilderness for divine encounter. The wilderness represents both judgment (exile) and renewal (preparation for redemption).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Isaiah's prophecy of preparing the Lord's way apply to spiritual obstacles that hinder people from receiving Christ?
- What does John's wilderness location teach about the kind of spiritual environment needed for genuine revival and preparation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John's ministry fulfills Isaiah 40:3-5: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' This prophecy announced the herald who would prepare for God's coming. The 'way of the Lord' requires preparation—removing obstacles, straightening paths. Spiritually, this means repentance removes sin's barriers between humanity and God. John's voice cries in the wilderness (both literal desert and spiritual wasteland), calling Israel back to God before Messiah's appearance.