Luke 3:5

KJV

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth;

KJV (with Strong's)

Every {G3956} valley {G5327} shall be {G2071} filled {G4137}, and {G2532} every {G3956} mountain {G3735} and {G2532} hill {G1015} shall be brought low {G5013}; and {G2532} the crooked {G4646} shall be made {G1519} straight {G2117}, and {G2532} the rough {G5138} ways {G3598} shall be made {G1519} smooth {G3006};

Complete Jewish Bible

Every valley must be filled in, every mountain and hill leveled off; the winding roads must be straightened and the rough ways made smooth.

Berean Standard Bible

Every valley shall be filled in, and every mountain and hill made low. The crooked ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways smooth.

American Standard Version

Every valley shall be filled, And every mountain and hill shall be brought low; And the crooked shall become straight, And the rough ways smooth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 3:5, a powerful declaration from John the Baptist, directly quotes the ancient prophet Isaiah to vividly portray the radical preparatory work required for the advent of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This verse, embedded within John's wilderness ministry, employs striking imagery of geographical transformation—leveling valleys, lowering mountains, straightening crooked paths, and smoothing rough ways—to symbolize the profound spiritual, moral, and societal changes necessary in human hearts and communities to truly receive the Lord and His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Luke's account of John the Baptist's ministry, which serves as the divinely appointed prelude to Jesus' public ministry. Following a precise chronological and historical introduction in [Luke 3:1-2](/luke/3-1-2 "Luke 3:1-2 - The Setting for John's Ministry"), Luke presents John as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, specifically quoting [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "Isaiah 40:3-5 - The Voice Crying in the Wilderness"). John's call to a "baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Preaching of Repentance")) sets the stage for the transformative work described in verse 5. The geographical metaphors in [Luke 3:5](/luke/3-5 "Luke 3:5 - Preparing the Way") directly illustrate the spiritual and moral prerequisites for receiving the "salvation of God" ([Luke 3:6](/luke/3-6 "Luke 3:6 - All Flesh Shall See God's Salvation")), emphasizing that a prepared heart and life are essential for encountering the divine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Luke 3:5 draws from the ancient Near Eastern practice of preparing roads for an approaching dignitary or monarch. When a king or emperor was expected to visit a region, engineers and laborers would be dispatched ahead to clear obstacles, level uneven terrain, and build up low areas to ensure a smooth, grand procession. This was a visible demonstration of the monarch's power and the people's reverence. For a first-century audience familiar with Roman road-building marvels and the pomp of imperial visits, this metaphor would have been immediately understandable. John the Baptist, therefore, was not merely calling for physical roadwork but using this familiar cultural practice to signify the profound spiritual and moral preparation required for the arrival of the ultimate King—God Himself, manifest in Jesus Christ.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 3:5 encapsulates several pivotal themes central to John the Baptist's message and the broader Lukan narrative. The primary theme is **preparation for the Messiah**, highlighting the urgent need for humanity to make ready for Jesus' advent. This preparation is intrinsically linked to **repentance and humility**, as the imagery of "every valley shall be filled" and "every mountain and hill shall be brought low" symbolizes the spiritual transformation of individuals—filling the emptiness of spiritual neglect and humbling the proud and self-exalted. Furthermore, "the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth" points to **moral rectification and societal justice**, implying a call to correct dishonest practices, address inequities, and remove hindrances to righteous living. While demanding human action, the passive voice ("shall be filled," "shall be brought low") also subtly underscores **divine initiative**, suggesting God's sovereign hand in enabling and completing this transformative work, ultimately leading to the revelation of His glory to "all flesh" ([Luke 3:6](/luke/3-6 "Luke 3:6 - All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valley (Greek, _pháranx'_):** This term refers to a "gap or chasm," specifically a "ravine" or "winter-torrent." In the context of Luke 3:5, "valley" symbolizes areas of spiritual emptiness, despair, or lowliness, representing those who are humble, neglected, or in need of spiritual elevation. The command to "fill" these valleys signifies God's intention to lift up the downtrodden and to bring His grace and truth to those who are spiritually impoverished.
* **Mountain (Greek, _óros'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to rise or 'rear'," "mountain" denotes a prominent elevated landform. In this prophetic imagery, mountains and hills often symbolize obstacles, pride, self-sufficiency, or human arrogance that stands in opposition to God's will. The directive that they "shall be brought low" signifies the humbling of the proud, the removal of human-made barriers, and the dismantling of any high-mindedness that impedes genuine repentance and submission to God.
* **Crooked (Greek, _skoliós'_):** This word describes something "warped" or "winding," and figuratively, "perverse" or "untoward." It speaks to moral distortion, dishonesty, injustice, or paths that deviate from God's righteous standards. The declaration that the crooked "shall be made straight" implies a divine rectification of moral failings, a call to integrity, and the establishment of justice and uprightness in human conduct and societal structures.
* **Smooth (Greek, _leîos'_):** Meaning "level" or "plain," this term describes the desired state of the "rough ways." It contrasts with "rough" (G5138, _trachýs_), which denotes uneven, rocky, or harsh terrain. "Smooth" signifies the removal of hindrances, difficulties, and obstacles that impede the journey towards God. It speaks to the establishment of peace, ease, and clarity in the spiritual path, making the way clear and accessible for the Lord's coming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every valley shall be filled":** This clause speaks to the elevation of the humble and the spiritually empty. It signifies that those who are lowly, neglected, or in despair will be uplifted and made full by God's grace and presence. It calls for the removal of spiritual deficiencies and the filling of voids with divine truth and righteousness.
* **"and every mountain and hill shall be brought low":** This imagery represents the humbling of the proud and the removal of obstacles created by human arrogance, self-sufficiency, or resistance to God. It signifies that any high place that exalts itself against the knowledge of God must be abased, clearing the way for true humility and submission to divine authority.
* **"and the crooked shall be made straight":** This refers to the rectification of moral perversion, injustice, and dishonesty. It is a call for integrity and uprightness, implying that all deviations from God's righteous path—whether personal sins or societal injustices—must be corrected and aligned with divine standards.
* **"and the rough ways [shall be] made smooth":** This final clause addresses the removal of all difficulties, harshness, and hindrances that impede the spiritual journey. It speaks to the clearing of obstacles, fostering a path of peace, clarity, and ease for those who seek to walk with God and prepare for His coming.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 3:5 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, drawing heavily from the prophetic tradition of Isaiah. The physical landscape transformations (valleys filled, mountains lowered, crooked paths straightened, rough ways smoothed) are not literal instructions for road construction but serve as powerful metaphors for spiritual and moral preparation. The "valleys" symbolize humility, lowliness, or spiritual need, while "mountains and hills" represent pride, arrogance, or obstacles to God's will. "Crooked" paths symbolize moral perversion or injustice, and "rough ways" denote difficulties or hindrances. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and antithetical parallelism, where each phrase echoes or contrasts with the previous one, reinforcing the overarching theme of radical transformation. The use of the passive voice ("shall be filled," "shall be brought low," "shall be made straight," "shall be made smooth") subtly highlights **Divine Initiative**, suggesting that while human repentance is required, God is the ultimate agent who brings about these profound changes in preparation for His advent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 3:5, rooted in Isaiah's ancient prophecy, profoundly articulates the theological necessity of radical transformation in preparation for divine encounter. It underscores that God's advent, whether in the person of Jesus Christ or in the ongoing work of His kingdom, demands a realignment of human hearts and societal structures. The imagery speaks to a comprehensive spiritual renovation: the humble are exalted, the proud are abased, moral crookedness is made straight, and all obstacles to righteousness are removed. This preparation is not merely external but deeply internal, calling for genuine repentance that reshapes one's character and conduct to align with God's perfect will. It is a divine summons to clear the way for God's glory to be revealed, ensuring that all humanity can witness His salvation.

* [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "The Prophecy of the Way")
* [Matthew 3:1-3](/matthew/3-1-3 "John the Baptist's Ministry")
* [James 4:6-10](/james/4-6-10 "Humility Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The timeless message of Luke 3:5, initially a call to prepare for Christ's first coming, remains profoundly relevant for believers today as we await His return and strive to live within His present kingdom. This verse challenges us to undertake a rigorous spiritual inventory, identifying the "valleys" of neglect, despair, or spiritual emptiness in our lives that need to be filled with God's truth, grace, and presence. Simultaneously, it compels us to confront the "mountains" of pride, self-sufficiency, or unyielding resistance to God's will, recognizing that true spiritual progress requires a humble abasement of self. Furthermore, the call to make "crooked" paths "straight" and "rough ways" "smooth" urges us to address moral compromises, injustices, and relational brokenness, striving for integrity, reconciliation, and peace. Our lives should reflect a continuous state of readiness for God's work in and through us, demonstrating ongoing repentance, humility, and a steadfast commitment to living righteously in anticipation of His glorious appearing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "valleys" or areas of spiritual emptiness in your life need to be filled with God's truth and grace?**
* **In what ways might pride or self-reliance manifest as "mountains" in your heart that need to be brought low before the Lord?**
* **Are there "crooked" paths of dishonesty, injustice, or moral compromise in your life that God is calling you to make straight?**
* **What "rough ways" or unresolved conflicts and bitterness are hindering your spiritual journey, and how can you seek to make them smooth?**
* **How does living a life of readiness, as described in this verse, impact your daily decisions and interactions?**

### FAQ

**Is Luke 3:5 a literal prophecy about road construction?**

Answer: No, Luke 3:5 is not a literal prophecy about physical road construction. While the imagery is drawn from the ancient practice of preparing roads for a king's procession, its primary meaning is deeply metaphorical and spiritual. John the Baptist, quoting [Isaiah 40:3-5](/isaiah/40-3-5 "Isaiah 40:3-5 - The Voice Crying in the Wilderness"), uses these vivid geographical transformations to symbolize the radical changes required in human hearts, minds, and societal structures to prepare for the spiritual advent of the Lord. "Valleys" represent humility or spiritual emptiness, "mountains" symbolize pride or obstacles, "crooked" paths denote moral perversion, and "rough ways" signify hindrances to righteousness. The prophecy calls for a spiritual and moral clearing of the way for God's kingdom.

**How does this verse relate to John the Baptist's ministry?**

Answer: Luke 3:5 is central to understanding John the Baptist's prophetic role. John's ministry was specifically foretold as the "voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight!’" ([Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John's Prophetic Role")). This verse explains *how* that preparation is to take place. John's preaching of "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" ([Luke 3:3](/luke/3-3 "Luke 3:3 - John's Call to Repentance")) was the practical outworking of this call to prepare. He exhorted people to humble themselves, confess their sins, rectify their moral failings, and remove all spiritual and ethical obstacles that prevented them from receiving the Messiah. Thus, [Luke 3:5](/luke/3-5 "Luke 3:5 - Preparing the Way for the Lord") provides the vivid imagery for the repentance and transformation John demanded.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 3:5 finds its ultimate fulfillment not merely in the preparation for Christ's first coming, but supremely in the person and work of Jesus Himself. While John the Baptist called for the preparation, Jesus is the very "Way, the Truth, and the Life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way")). He is the one who, through His life, death, and resurrection, truly fills the valleys of human emptiness and despair with divine grace and hope ([John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - Fullness of Grace")). He perfectly embodies the humility that brings down the "mountains" of human pride, as seen in His self-emptying act, taking the form of a servant and humbling Himself even to death on a cross ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Jesus, the righteous one, makes "crooked" paths "straight" by offering forgiveness for sin and empowering believers to live righteously through the indwelling Holy Spirit, transforming hearts from within ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). He smooths the "rough ways" of alienation from God, establishing peace and reconciliation through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). In Christ, the preparatory work is not just commanded; it is accomplished and enabled, making the path to God clear and accessible for all who believe, so that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" ([Luke 3:6](/luke/3-6 "Luke 3:6 - All Flesh Shall See God's Salvation")).

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 40:4

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

Isaiah 42:16

And I will bring the blind by a way [that] they knew not; I will lead them in paths [that] they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Isaiah 45:2

I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

Isaiah 49:11

And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

Ezekiel 17:24

And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done [it].

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Hebrews 12:13

And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.