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.

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.

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

  • Prophetic Fulfillment: The primary message is that John the Baptist is the "voice" spoken of centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 40:3). This highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
  • Preparation for the Messiah: John's central task was to prepare the hearts of the people for Jesus Christ. The call to "prepare ye the way of the Lord" and "make his paths straight" signifies a spiritual readiness, urging repentance and moral alignment with God's will. It means removing the obstacles of sin and unrighteousness from one's life.
  • Divine Authority: John's ministry was not of human origin but divinely ordained, underscoring the weight and importance of his message. He was God's chosen instrument to announce the imminence of the Kingdom of Heaven.
  • The Wilderness Setting: The wilderness often symbolizes a place of spiritual encounter, purification, and separation from worldly distractions. John's ministry there emphasized a radical break from conventional religious practices and a return to fundamental truths.

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:

  • Repentance: Continually turning away from sin and toward God.
  • Spiritual Readiness: Cultivating a heart that is open and responsive to God's Word and Spirit.
  • Removing Obstacles: Identifying and eliminating anything in our lives that hinders our relationship with God or our ability to serve Him effectively.
  • Proclaiming Truth: Being a "voice" in our own spheres, pointing others to Christ and encouraging them to prepare their hearts for Him.

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.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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