Luke 3:4

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

As {G5613} it is written {G1125} in {G1722} the book {G976} of the words {G3056} of Esaias {G2268} the prophet {G4396}, saying {G3004}, The voice {G5456} of one crying {G994} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048}, Prepare ye {G2090} the way {G3598} of the Lord {G2962}, make {G4160} his {G846} paths {G5147} straight {G2117}.

It was just as had been written in the book of the sayings of the prophet Yesha`yahu, "The voice of someone crying out: `In the desert prepare the way for ADONAI! Make straight paths for him!

as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.

as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.

Commentary

Luke 3:4 introduces the ministry of John the Baptist by quoting an ancient prophecy from the Old Testament. This verse underscores the divine orchestration of events leading up to the public ministry of Jesus Christ.

Context

This verse directly references Isaiah 40:3, situating John the Baptist as the fulfillment of a long-awaited prophetic announcement. In ancient times, when a king or dignitary was expected to travel, heralds would go before him, and sometimes actual physical preparations (like leveling roads or removing obstacles) would be made to ensure a smooth passage. Luke's Gospel, known for its meticulous historical detail, emphasizes this connection to establish the legitimacy and divine origin of John's ministry as the forerunner to the Messiah. This passage is central to understanding John's role in the divine plan, preparing the hearts of people for the arrival of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The primary theme is the precise fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy concerning a messenger who would precede the Lord. This validates the divine nature of John's mission and the impending arrival of the Messiah.
  • Spiritual Preparation: The command to "prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" is a call for spiritual readiness. It implies repentance, a turning away from sin, and a realignment of one's life according to God's will, clearing away spiritual obstacles.
  • The Coming of the Lord: John's ministry was entirely focused on announcing and preparing for the advent of the Lord. His message was not about himself, but about the One who was to come after him, whose shoes he was not worthy to unloose (Luke 3:16).

Linguistic Insights

The name "Esaias" is the Greek form of the Hebrew prophet "Isaiah." The phrase "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" (Greek: ἑτοιμάσατε τὴν ὁδὸν Κυρίου, hetoimasate ten hodon Kyriou) signifies making ready or clearing the path. "Make his paths straight" (Greek: εὐθείας ποιεῖτε τὰς τρίβους αὐτοῦ, eutheias poieite tas tribous autou) reinforces this idea, suggesting the removal of all impediments, both literal (in the ancient context of a royal procession) and spiritual. These terms highlight the urgency and transformative nature of the preparation required.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Cross-References

This significant prophecy from Isaiah 40:3-5 is quoted across all four Gospels, emphasizing its pivotal role in the New Testament narrative. You can find similar references in Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3, and John 1:23. This widespread quotation confirms John's identity as the divinely appointed forerunner, fulfilling the ancient words and signaling the immediate arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 3:4 serves as a timeless call to spiritual readiness. Just as John prepared the way for Christ's first coming, we are called to prepare our hearts for His presence in our lives and for His eventual Second Coming. This involves:

  • Repentance: Continually turning away from sin and toward God.
  • Humility: Recognizing our need for God's grace and submitting to His will.
  • Active Faith: Living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, removing spiritual obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him and our witness to others.
This verse reminds us that spiritual preparation is an ongoing process, essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:3 (25 votes)

    ¶ 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 (25 votes)

    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].

  • John 1:23 (9 votes)

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

  • John 3:28 (7 votes)

    Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

  • John 3:36 (7 votes)

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • Luke 1:76 (7 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

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