Mark 1:3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Original Language Analysis
φωνὴ
The voice
G5456
φωνὴ
The voice
Strong's:
G5456
Word #:
1 of 14
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 #:
2 of 14
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
5 of 14
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
8 of 14
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 #:
9 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εὐθείας
straight
G2117
εὐθείας
straight
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
10 of 14
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
ποιεῖτε
make
G4160
ποιεῖτε
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
11 of 14
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Historical Context
Isaiah 40:3 originally addressed Jewish exiles in Babylon (6th century BC), promising God would lead them home through wilderness. Jewish messianic expectation often employed exodus imagery. John's ministry in the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River (where Israel entered Canaan under Joshua) deliberately evoked these associations. His call to repentance prepared hearts to recognize Jesus as the Messiah bringing ultimate deliverance from sin and death.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the wilderness setting connect Jesus' work to the exodus narrative and Israel's formative history?
- What 'paths' (obstacles, sins, idols, false expectations) need straightening in your heart to properly receive and follow Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mark quotes Isaiah 40:3, applying this prophecy of Israel's return from Babylonian exile to John's ministry. The 'voice crying in the wilderness' (φωνὴ βοῶντος ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ) identifies John as the prophetic herald Isaiah foretold. The wilderness (erēmos) recalls Israel's formative experience after Egyptian exodus—John's wilderness ministry symbolizes a new exodus and preparation for God's kingdom. 'Prepare the way of the Lord' (ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου) calls for spiritual preparation through repentance. 'Make his paths straight' uses road-building imagery for royal processions—spiritually, this means removing sin's obstacles. The title 'Lord' (Kyrios) translates Hebrew Yahweh—Mark identifies Jesus as Israel's covenant God, not merely a human prophet.