Matthew 3:1

KJV

¶ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} In {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250} came {G3854} John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}, preaching {G2784} in {G1722} the wilderness {G2048} of Judaea {G2449},

Complete Jewish Bible

It was during those days thatYochanan the Immerser arrived in the desert ofY'hudah and began proclaiming the message,

Berean Standard Bible

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea

American Standard Version

And in those days cometh John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 3:1 introduces John the Baptist, a pivotal prophetic figure, whose appearance "in those days" signals the dawn of a new era in salvation history. Emerging from the desolate wilderness of Judaea, John's ministry is characterized by a powerful, public proclamation, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for the long-awaited Messiah. This verse serves as the dramatic prelude to Jesus' public ministry, setting the stage for the fulfillment of ancient prophecies and the inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 3:1 marks a significant transition in Matthew's Gospel. Following the infancy narratives of [Matthew 1-2](/matthew/1-2 "Matthew 1-2 - The Birth and Early Life of Jesus"), which establish Jesus' lineage and miraculous birth, this verse jumps forward approximately 30 years. It shifts the narrative from Jesus' private life in Nazareth to the public advent of His forerunner, John the Baptist. This abrupt transition emphasizes John's sudden and divinely appointed appearance, signaling the imminent commencement of God's redemptive plan. The preceding chapters establish Jesus' identity as the Messiah, and chapter 3 now introduces the one who will prepare the people for His arrival, directly linking to the prophecies of a messenger, such as those found in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant") and [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Cries in the Wilderness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** "In those days" refers to the period roughly between 26-28 AD, during the reign of Tiberius Caesar and under the procuratorship of Pontius Pilate in Judea. This era was marked by Roman occupation, significant political tension, and a deep longing among the Jewish people for the promised Messiah. The "wilderness of Judaea" was a harsh, arid region east of Jerusalem, stretching towards the Dead Sea. This geographical setting was not merely incidental; it evoked powerful Old Testament imagery, recalling Israel's forty years in the wilderness and the prophetic tradition of figures like Elijah, who also ministered outside the established religious centers. John's austere lifestyle and choice of location underscored his prophetic authenticity, contrasting sharply with the opulent temple establishment in Jerusalem and signaling a return to the foundational principles of God's covenant with His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several crucial themes that will permeate Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine preparation**, as John's ministry is explicitly designed to "prepare the way of the Lord" ([Matthew 3:3](/matthew/3-3 "Matthew 3:3 - John Prepares the Way")). Secondly, the setting in the "wilderness" symbolizes **spiritual renewal and purification**, echoing Israel's formative experiences and suggesting a need for a fresh start away from corrupting influences. Thirdly, John's act of "preaching" underscores the **authority of God's word** breaking a long period of prophetic silence, re-establishing direct divine communication with humanity. Finally, his title "the Baptist" introduces the theme of **repentance and baptism**, a central requirement for entering the Kingdom of Heaven, as further elaborated in [Matthew 3:2](/matthew/3-2 "Matthew 3:2 - John's Call to Repentance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _paragínomai'_):** From _pará_ (beside) and _gínomai_ (to become), meaning "to become near," "to approach," or "to appear publicly." This word choice emphasizes John's arrival as a distinct, public event, not a quiet emergence. It suggests a divinely orchestrated appearance at a specific point in history, marking the beginning of a new phase in God's redemptive plan. John's coming is purposeful and significant, signifying the imminence of the Messiah's public ministry.
* **preaching (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** To "herald" or "proclaim aloud" as a public crier, especially divine truth or the gospel. This term denotes an authoritative, public declaration, not merely teaching or discussing. John's ministry was characterized by a bold, open proclamation of God's message, demanding attention and a response. It signifies the authoritative nature of his message, which was a direct divine announcement rather than human opinion or philosophy.
* **wilderness (Greek, _érēmos'_):** Meaning "lonesome," "waste," or "desolate." Often used as a noun to refer to a desert or solitary place. The choice of the wilderness for John's ministry is deeply symbolic, recalling the Israelites' journey through the desert and the prophetic tradition of figures like Elijah. It signifies a place of spiritual testing, purification, and direct encounter with God, set apart from the corrupting influences of established society and religious institutions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days came John the Baptist":** This opening phrase serves as a temporal marker, bridging the gap between Jesus' infancy and the commencement of His public ministry. "Those days" refers to the period immediately preceding Jesus' public debut, signaling that the time for the Messiah's revelation was at hand. The sudden appearance of "John the Baptist" introduces the divinely appointed forerunner, whose identity and mission are central to preparing the way for Christ. His title, "the Baptist," immediately identifies his distinctive practice and role.
* **"preaching in the wilderness of Judaea":** This clause describes John's primary activity and his geographical base of operations. "Preaching" (kērýssō) signifies a public, authoritative proclamation, emphasizing the urgency and divine origin of his message. The "wilderness of Judaea" is a specific, desolate region, strategically chosen to underscore John's prophetic authenticity, his separation from corrupt religious establishments, and the symbolic significance of a new beginning, reminiscent of Israel's formative experiences in the desert.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 3:1 employs several significant literary devices. The phrase "In those days" serves as a **temporal marker**, creating a sense of historical continuity while also indicating a new, critical phase in the narrative. The immediate introduction of "John the Baptist" acts as a **foreshadowing** device, signaling the imminent arrival of an even greater figure, Jesus. The setting of John's ministry in the "wilderness of Judaea" is a powerful example of **symbolism**. The wilderness is not merely a geographical location but represents a place of spiritual purification, separation from worldly corruption, and a return to foundational truths, echoing Old Testament narratives of divine encounters and testing. Furthermore, John's action of "preaching" highlights the **prophetic voice** breaking a long period of divine silence, emphasizing the authoritative and urgent nature of God's message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 3:1 introduces the concept of the "forerunner," a divinely appointed messenger whose purpose is to prepare humanity for the coming of God's ultimate revelation. John the Baptist embodies the culmination of Old Testament prophecy, acting as the bridge between the old covenant and the new. His ministry in the wilderness, characterized by a call to repentance and baptism, establishes the necessary spiritual condition for encountering the Messiah and entering His kingdom. This verse underscores God's meticulous planning in salvation history, demonstrating that Christ's arrival was not random but meticulously prepared for by a powerful prophetic voice. It highlights the theme of divine initiative and the importance of human response in the form of repentance.

* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Cries in the Wilderness")
* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Luke 1:76](/luke/1-76 "Luke 1:76 - Prophecy of John's Role")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's sudden appearance in the wilderness, proclaiming a message of repentance, serves as a timeless reminder that God often chooses unexpected places and individuals to accomplish His purposes. We are called to be attentive to God's voice, even when it comes from unconventional sources or challenges our comfortable norms. John's radical call to prepare for the Lord's coming urges us to examine our own lives: Are we truly ready for Christ's presence and work? Do we recognize the need for genuine repentance and transformation in our hearts? His ministry also highlights the importance of living authentically, prioritizing God's truth over societal expectations or religious traditions. Just as John prepared the way for the first coming of Christ, we are called to prepare our hearts and the world for His ongoing work and eventual return, living lives marked by deep spiritual readiness and active proclamation of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John the Baptist's ministry in the wilderness challenge our expectations of where and how God works?**
* **What does "preparing the way for the Lord" look like in my own life today?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to hear John's call to "repent" most urgently?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist minister in the wilderness, rather than in Jerusalem or the Temple?**

Answer:John's ministry in the wilderness of Judaea was highly symbolic and strategically significant. First, it aligned him with the prophetic tradition of figures like Elijah, who also operated outside the established religious centers (e.g., [1 Kings 17:2-3](/1_kings/17-2-3 "1 Kings 17:2-3 - Elijah by the Brook Cherith")). Second, the wilderness was a place associated with Israel's formative experiences, including the Exodus and the giving of the Law, symbolizing purification, testing, and a return to foundational covenant truths. By ministering there, John underscored the need for a radical spiritual renewal, distinct from the perceived corruption or complacency of the religious establishment in Jerusalem. It emphasized that true repentance and preparation for the Messiah required a departure from conventional religious practices and a direct encounter with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 3:1, by introducing John the Baptist, immediately points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. John's role as the "voice of one crying in the wilderness" ([Matthew 3:3](/matthew/3-3 "Matthew 3:3 - John Prepares the Way")) directly fulfills the prophecy of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Cries in the Wilderness"), serving as the divinely appointed herald who prepares the way for the Lord. This preparation is not an end in itself but serves to usher in the ministry of Jesus, the Messiah. John's message of repentance and baptism, while significant, is ultimately superseded by Jesus' greater baptism "with the Holy Spirit and with fire" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus' Baptism")). John himself humbly declares that he is not worthy to carry Jesus' sandals ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Humility")), unequivocally identifying 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")). Thus, John's entire existence and ministry, initiated in this verse, find their ultimate meaning and purpose in pointing to and exalting Jesus Christ, the one through whom salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven are fully realized.

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 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

John 1:6

There was a man sent from God, whose name [was] John.

John 1:8

He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light.

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 3:1

¶ Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

Luke 3:20

Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison.