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.
For {G1063} this {G3778} is he {G2076} that was spoken {G4483} of by {G5259} the prophet {G4396} Esaias {G2268}, 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}.
This is the man Yesha`yahu was talking about when he said, "The voice of someone crying out: `In the desert prepare the way of ADONAI! Make straight paths for him!'"
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.
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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. -
Malachi 3:1
¶ Behold, 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 1:23
He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. -
Luke 1:76
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 1:17
And 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. -
Isaiah 57:14
And shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. -
Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name [is] Holy; I dwell in the high and holy [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Commentary on Matthew 3:3 (KJV)
Matthew 3:3 identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy, marking a pivotal moment in biblical history. This verse quotes the prophet Esaias (Isaiah), presenting John's ministry as the preparatory work for the arrival of the Messiah.
Context
This verse directly follows the introduction of John the Baptist and his ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of Judaea. The evangelist Matthew uses this Old Testament prophecy to establish John's divine mandate and significance, assuring his Jewish audience that John was not merely a self-proclaimed prophet but the foretold forerunner of the Lord. The practice of "preparing the way" was common in ancient times when a king or dignitary was expected to visit: roads would be cleared, obstacles removed, and paths straightened to ensure a smooth passage. This physical preparation serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual and moral readiness required for the coming of God's Anointed One.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The name "Esaias" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah. The phrase "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" is a vivid metaphor. "Straight" (Greek: euthus) implies directness, righteousness, and the removal of anything that would hinder or obstruct a smooth passage. It's a call for spiritual and moral rectitude, making one's life conducive to the Lord's presence and work.
Practical Application
This verse holds timeless relevance. Just as John prepared the way for Christ's first coming, believers are called to prepare their own hearts and the hearts of others for the Lord's ongoing work in the world and His eventual return (2 Peter 3:11-12). This preparation involves:
The message of Matthew 3:3 reminds us that spiritual preparation is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence and purpose in our lives.