Matthew 3:3
For 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.
Original Language Analysis
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 24
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὸ
of by
G5259
ὑπὸ
of by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
6 of 24
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
9 of 24
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
λέγοντος
saying
G3004
λέγοντος
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
10 of 24
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 #:
11 of 24
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 #:
12 of 24
to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
G2048
ἐρήμῳ·
the wilderness
Strong's:
G2048
Word #:
15 of 24
lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδὸν
the way
G3598
ὁδὸν
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
18 of 24
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 #:
19 of 24
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
εὐθείας
straight
G2117
εὐθείας
straight
Strong's:
G2117
Word #:
20 of 24
straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once
ποιεῖτε
make
G4160
ποιεῖτε
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
21 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Cross References
Isaiah 40:3The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Malachi 3:1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.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.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;Luke 1:17And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.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 begins the 'Book of Comfort' (chapters 40-66) promising restoration after judgment. Ancient Near Eastern custom required highway preparation before a king's arrival. John applies this spiritually—hearts must be prepared through repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- What obstacles in your life need removing to make straight paths for the Lord?
- How can you be a voice preparing others to meet Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Matthew identifies John as fulfilling Isaiah 40:3—'The voice of one crying in the wilderness.' In Isaiah's context, this prepared for Israel's return from exile; Matthew shows John preparing for the greater exodus from sin through Christ. The call to 'prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight' demands removing obstacles to receiving the Messiah.