John 1:23

KJV

He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

KJV (with Strong's)

He said {G5346}, I {G1473} am the voice {G5456} of one crying {G994} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048}, Make straight {G2116} the way {G3598} of the Lord {G2962}, as {G2531} said {G2036} the prophet {G4396} Esaias {G2268}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered in the words of Yesha‘yahu the prophet, “I am

The voice of someone crying out:
‘In the desert make the way of Adonai straight!’”

Berean Standard Bible

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

American Standard Version

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In John 1:23, John the Baptist, questioned by a delegation of priests and Levites from Jerusalem, humbly identifies himself not by a grand title but by fulfilling a specific Old Testament prophecy. He declares himself "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord," directly quoting Isaiah, thereby defining his preparatory role for the Messiah's advent and directing all attention away from himself and toward the coming Lord.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening prologue of John's Gospel, which establishes the eternal divinity of Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh ([John 1:1-18](/john/1-1-18 "John 1:1-18 - The Word Became Flesh")). Immediately preceding [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John the Baptist's Self-Identification") is the interrogation of John the Baptist by a delegation from Jerusalem ([John 1:19-22](/john/1-19-22 "John 1:19-22 - The Priests and Levites Question John")). They press him on his identity, asking if he is the Christ, Elijah, or "that prophet." John emphatically denies each of these exalted titles, setting the stage for his humble yet profound self-identification in this verse. His answer here serves as a pivotal moment, shifting the narrative focus from his identity to his mission, which is to prepare the way for the true Light, Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The delegation of priests and Levites from Jerusalem highlights the religious authority and intense expectation of the Messiah prevalent in first-century Judea. The Jewish people, living under Roman occupation, eagerly awaited a deliverer, often envisioning a political or military leader. Prophecies concerning Elijah's return ([Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return")) and "the Prophet" like Moses ([Deuteronomy 18:15-18](/deuteronomy/18-15-18 "Deuteronomy 18:15-18 - The Prophet Like Moses")) were central to their messianic hopes. The "wilderness" (Greek: _erēmos_) was a significant geographical and symbolic location in Jewish thought, often associated with divine revelation, testing, and new beginnings (e.g., the Exodus). John's ministry in the wilderness, far from the established religious centers, underscored his prophetic authenticity and his call for a radical spiritual reorientation, a "making straight" of hearts, in anticipation of the Lord's arrival.
* **Key Themes:** [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John the Baptist's Self-Identification") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as John explicitly identifies his ministry as the direct fulfillment of Isaiah's ancient prophecy ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")). This highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness in bringing His redemptive plan to pass precisely as foretold. Secondly, it defines John the Baptist's unique role as the **Forerunner** or herald of the Messiah. His "voice" is not the message itself, but the urgent proclamation that prepares hearts for the coming Lord, a role also prophesied in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"). Lastly, John's response exemplifies profound **Humility**. Instead of claiming a grand title, he points away from himself, emphasizing that he is merely an instrument in God's greater plan, a theme he reiterates in [John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John the Baptist on Christ's Increase").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **voice (Greek, _phōnḗ_):** This term (G5456) refers to a sound, an utterance, or a message. In this context, it signifies John's role as the speaker, the one who proclaims, rather than the source of the message or the message itself. John is merely an instrument, a conduit for God's word, emphasizing his subordinate role to the one whose coming he announces.
* **wilderness (Greek, _érēmos_):** This word (G2048) denotes a desolate, solitary, or waste place. Its use here is highly symbolic, recalling the Israelites' journey through the wilderness before entering the Promised Land. Spiritually, it suggests a barren or spiritually unprepared state of humanity, into which John's urgent proclamation must penetrate to prepare a way for the Lord.
* **Make straight (Greek, _euthýnō_):** This verb (G2116) means to straighten or level. Figuratively, it conveys the idea of preparing a path, removing obstacles, and making things ready. In the spiritual sense, it refers to the moral and spiritual preparation of hearts through repentance and righteousness, clearing the way for the Lord's arrival and His work in people's lives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness,"**: This clause is John's direct and humble self-identification. He explicitly denies being the Messiah or any other significant prophetic figure, instead defining his identity solely by his divinely appointed function. The phrase "voice of one crying" immediately evokes the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3, indicating that John understood his ministry as the fulfillment of this ancient word. The "wilderness" signifies not only the geographical location of his ministry but also the spiritual barrenness of the people, emphasizing the urgent need for preparation.
* **"Make straight the way of the Lord,"**: This is the content of the "voice's" cry. It is an imperative, a command to action, calling people to prepare for the arrival of "the Lord." This imagery draws from the ancient practice of preparing roads for an approaching king or dignitary, leveling uneven ground and removing obstructions. Spiritually, it signifies the need for repentance, moral transformation, and a turning of hearts towards God, removing the obstacles of sin and unrighteousness that hinder a relationship with Him.
* **"as said the prophet Esaias."**: This concluding phrase is crucial, as it grounds John's self-understanding and mission firmly in Old Testament prophecy. By directly referencing "Esaias" (Isaiah), John authenticates his ministry not by his own authority but by its alignment with God's ancient, revealed word. This emphasizes the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout history and the precise fulfillment of His promises.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich with literary devices, primarily **Allusion** and **Symbolism**. John's statement is a direct **Allusion** to [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord"), demonstrating the precise fulfillment of prophecy and validating John's divine commission. This intertextual connection is central to understanding John's role within God's redemptive narrative. **Symbolism** is evident in several key phrases. "The voice" is symbolic of John's role as a herald, emphasizing that he is merely a messenger, not the message itself. The "wilderness" symbolizes a place of spiritual barrenness and isolation, but also a place where God often reveals Himself and initiates new beginnings, akin to the Exodus. "Making straight the way" is a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual and moral preparation, urging people to remove the obstacles of sin and self-reliance to receive the Lord. The entire declaration is an act of profound **Humility**, as John deliberately diminishes his own person to elevate the one for whom he prepares the way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John's self-identification as the "voice crying in the wilderness" is a profound theological statement, anchoring his ministry firmly in God's prophetic plan. It underscores the divine orchestration of history, demonstrating that God's promises are meticulously fulfilled. John's role is not self-appointed but divinely ordained, serving as the final Old Testament prophet who bridges the gap between the covenants, preparing humanity for the advent of the Messiah. His emphasis on "making straight the way of the Lord" highlights the necessity of repentance and spiritual readiness for encountering God, a foundational theme throughout Scripture. This passage also implicitly affirms the deity of Jesus, as the "Lord" whose way is being prepared is none other than the Christ himself.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord"): The direct Old Testament prophecy that John the Baptist fulfills, establishing his identity and mission.
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"): Another prophecy foretelling a messenger who would prepare the way before the Lord, further confirming John's role.
* [Matthew 3:3](/matthew/3-3 "Matthew 3:3 - John the Baptist in the Wilderness"): A synoptic parallel that also quotes Isaiah 40:3 in reference to John, reinforcing the consistent understanding of his prophetic fulfillment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's humble and precise self-identification in [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John the Baptist's Self-Identification") offers a powerful model for believers today. In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and personal branding, John intentionally directs attention away from himself and towards the coming Lord. This challenges us to consider whether our lives and ministries are truly Christ-centered, or if they inadvertently draw attention to our own abilities or achievements. Like John, we are called to be "voices" for Christ, proclaiming His truth and preparing hearts for His presence, whether in evangelism, discipleship, or simply living out our faith. Our mission is to "make straight the way" by removing obstacles—both in our own lives through repentance and in the lives of others by sharing the transformative power of the Gospel. This requires humility, faithfulness to God's Word, and an unwavering focus on Jesus as the ultimate message.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to draw attention to myself rather than pointing others to Christ, as John did?**
* **What "crooked paths" or obstacles in my own life or in the lives of those around me need to be "made straight" for the Lord?**
* **How can I better embody John's humility in my service and witness for Christ?**
* **How does the fulfillment of ancient prophecy through John the Baptist strengthen my faith in God's faithfulness and His sovereign plan for history?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist identify himself as "the voice" and not something more significant?**

Answer: John's identification as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" (quoting [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - Prepare the Way of the Lord")) was an act of profound humility and prophetic accuracy. He understood that his role was not to be the Messiah or a great leader in his own right, but merely the divinely appointed herald who would announce the coming of the Lord. By calling himself a "voice," he emphasized that he was an instrument, a messenger, whose purpose was to direct attention away from himself and toward Jesus Christ, the true "Word" ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word")). This self-effacement is a key theme of his ministry, as seen later when he declares, "He must increase, but I must decrease" ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John 3:30 - John the Baptist on Christ's Increase")).

**What does it mean to "make straight the way of the Lord"?**

Answer: This phrase is an ancient metaphor derived from the practice of preparing roads for an approaching king or dignitary. Before a royal visit, servants would go ahead to clear obstacles, level uneven ground, and smooth the path to ensure a grand and unimpeded entrance. Spiritually, "making straight the way of the Lord" means preparing one's heart and life for the arrival and work of God. For John's audience, this involved repentance from sin, turning back to God, and embracing a life of righteousness. It signifies removing the spiritual and moral "obstacles" (like sin, pride, and unfaithfulness) that hinder a genuine relationship with God and prevent one from receiving His salvation. John's baptism of repentance was a tangible expression of this spiritual preparation, urging people to ready themselves for the Messiah's coming and His kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John the Baptist's declaration in [John 1:23](/john/1-23 "John 1:23 - John the Baptist's Self-Identification") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. John's entire ministry, as the "voice crying in the wilderness," was designed to prepare humanity for the arrival of the "Lord" – a title that, in its Old Testament context, often referred to Yahweh Himself, and here unequivocally points to Jesus. The "way" that John was to "make straight" was the path for God to enter human history in the person of His Son, the Messiah. Jesus, as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), is the one for whom the way was prepared. He is the fulfillment of all prophecy, the embodiment of God's redemptive plan. John's call to repentance and preparation was not an end in itself, but a necessary precursor to receiving the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")). Ultimately, John's voice faded so that the eternal Word, Jesus, might be heard and known as the very "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) through whom all may come to the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The 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.

Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see [it] together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

Mark 1:3

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

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.

Luke 1:76

And 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 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1:16

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.