Matthew 3:1
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Original Language Analysis
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
4 of 15
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
ἐκείναις
those
G1565
ἐκείναις
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
5 of 15
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
παραγίνεται
came
G3854
παραγίνεται
came
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
6 of 15
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτιστὴς
the Baptist
G910
βαπτιστὴς
the Baptist
Strong's:
G910
Word #:
9 of 15
a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner
κηρύσσων
preaching
G2784
κηρύσσων
preaching
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
10 of 15
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
13 of 15
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
Cross References
Luke 1:76And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;Matthew 11:11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.Mark 1:15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.Matthew 16:14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.Acts 1:22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.Matthew 3:8Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:Matthew 11:7And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?Luke 7:24And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
Historical Context
The Judean wilderness is a barren, rocky desert between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. John's ministry began around 26-27 AD during Tiberius Caesar's reign. His desert location forced people to make a deliberate journey, demonstrating serious intent.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wilderness' experiences has God used to prepare you for service?
- How does John's example of faithful preparation challenge your own ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John the Baptist appears 'in those days' after approximately 30 years of silence since chapter 2, introducing Jesus' public ministry. His preaching 'in the wilderness of Judaea' fulfills Isaiah 40:3 and deliberately evokes memories of Israel's wilderness formation as God's people. The wilderness setting symbolizes separation from religious establishment and call to genuine repentance.