Luke 3:5
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
Original Language Analysis
πληρωθήσεται
filled
G4137
πληρωθήσεται
filled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
3 of 21
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταπεινωθήσεται
shall be brought low
G5013
ταπεινωθήσεται
shall be brought low
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
9 of 21
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
shall be made
G1519
εἰς
shall be made
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
εὐθείαν
straight
G2117
εὐθείαν
straight
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
15 of 21
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
shall be made
G1519
εἰς
shall be made
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 21
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Isaiah 40:4Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:Isaiah 42:16And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.Isaiah 45:2I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:Isaiah 49:11And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.Ezekiel 17:24And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.James 1:9Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:
Historical Context
Ancient practice for royal visits involved road preparation—filling ravines, smoothing rough paths, straightening curves. Isaiah's prophecy uses this imagery for spiritual preparation. John's ministry of repentance performed this spiritual roadwork, preparing hearts to receive Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual 'mountains' of pride must be brought low for Christ to enter hearts?
- How does repentance 'fill valleys' and 'straighten paths' in preparation for receiving Christ?
- What role does conviction of sin play in preparing hearts to welcome the Savior?
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Analysis & Commentary
John's quotation from Isaiah 40:4-5 promises that 'every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.' This prophetic imagery describes spiritual preparation for Messiah's coming. 'Valleys filled' and 'mountains brought low' symbolize pride humbled and need elevated—God exalting the humble and humbling the proud. 'Crooked made straight' indicates moral reformation, while 'rough ways smooth' suggests removing obstacles to receiving Christ. John's preparatory ministry levels spiritual terrain, making hearts ready to receive the King. This work is ultimately the Holy Spirit's, as human pride and sin create impassable barriers only God can remove.