Matthew 3:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!'"

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Matthew 3:3 serves as a pivotal declaration, identifying John the Baptist as the long-awaited fulfillment of the prophecy found in Isaiah 40:3. This verse powerfully establishes John's divine mandate as the forerunner of the Messiah, whose urgent call to repentance and spiritual preparation was essential for the arrival of the Lord and the inauguration of His kingdom. It underscores God's faithfulness in bringing His ancient promises to fruition through a divinely appointed messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Matthew's introduction of John the Baptist in [Matthew 3:1-2](/matthew/3-1-2 "Matthew 3:1-2 - John the Baptist's Ministry Begins"), where John's ministry of preaching repentance and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea is described. Matthew, writing primarily to a Jewish audience, strategically employs this Old Testament quotation to validate John's prophetic authority. By directly linking John to the revered prophet Isaiah, Matthew demonstrates that John's ministry was not a self-initiated endeavor but a divinely orchestrated event, part of God's unfolding redemptive plan. This prophetic fulfillment provides a theological foundation for John's radical message and prepares the reader for the imminent appearance of Jesus Christ.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" draws on a common ancient Near Eastern practice. When a king or dignitary was expected to travel, especially through rugged terrain, heralds would precede him, announcing his arrival, and laborers would be dispatched to clear obstacles, fill in valleys, level hills, and straighten winding roads to ensure a smooth and direct passage. This physical preparation was a sign of honor and facilitated the swift progress of the royal procession. John's ministry in the "wilderness" (Greek: _eremos_) also carries significant historical weight, evoking images of the Exodus and the forty years of wilderness wandering—a period of purification and preparation before entering the Promised Land. For the Jewish people, the wilderness was often associated with prophetic encounters and a return to foundational truths, reminiscent of figures like Moses and Elijah.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 3:3 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating God's sovereign control over history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, as seen in the direct quotation from [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness"). This verse also highlights the theme of **Divine Authority**, underscoring that John's ministry was not of human origin but divinely ordained, validating his message of repentance. Furthermore, it introduces the crucial theme of **Preparation for the Messiah**, emphasizing that a spiritual and moral readiness, characterized by repentance and a turning away from sin, is necessary for the reception of God's Anointed One. This preparation involves removing all spiritual obstacles that hinder a genuine encounter with the [Lord Jesus Christ](/matthew/1 "Matthew 1 - The Genealogy of Jesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Voice (Greek, _phōnḗ_):** This word, G5456, refers to a tone, sound, or articulate utterance. Here, it signifies a distinct, recognizable pronouncement. In the context of prophecy, it emphasizes that John is not merely a person, but the very audible message, the spoken word of God, foretold to announce the coming of the Lord. His identity is intrinsically linked to his divine message.
* **Wilderness (Greek, _érēmos_):** G2048 denotes a lonesome, waste, or desolate place, often used as a noun to mean "desert" or "wilderness." John's ministry in the wilderness is significant, not just geographically, but symbolically. It represents a place of separation from corrupt religious institutions, a return to fundamental truths, and a setting for spiritual encounter and purification, echoing Israel's formative experiences.
* **Straight (Greek, _euthýs_):** G2117 means "level" or "true," and adverbially, "at once." In this context, it implies directness, righteousness, and the removal of all obstacles. It's a call for moral and spiritual rectitude, making one's life conducive to the Lord's presence. It's about aligning one's character and actions with God's will, ensuring an unobstructed path for His work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying,"**: Matthew explicitly identifies John the Baptist as the subject of Isaiah's prophecy. The phrase "spoken of by the prophet Esaias" (Isaiah) serves as a powerful validation of John's ministry, grounding it firmly in the Old Testament prophetic tradition and establishing his divine appointment. This direct quotation immediately connects John's appearance to God's long-foretold plan.
* **"The voice of one crying in the wilderness,"**: This clause vividly describes John's unique role and setting. He is not merely a speaker, but "the voice" itself—a distinct, divinely appointed messenger whose message resonates from a place of spiritual separation and purity. The "wilderness" signifies both his geographical location and the radical nature of his call, standing apart from the established religious norms of his day.
* **"Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."**: This imperative command, central to John's message, is a metaphorical call to spiritual and moral transformation. "Preparing the way" and "making paths straight" refers to the removal of spiritual obstacles (sins, unrighteousness, pride) and the cultivation of a heart ready to receive the Messiah. It implies repentance, a change of mind and direction, aligning one's life with God's righteous standards to facilitate the Lord's coming and work.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 3:3 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Prophetic Fulfillment** is the overarching device, as Matthew directly quotes Isaiah to demonstrate that John's ministry is the culmination of ancient divine promises. This technique validates John's authority and underscores God's faithfulness. **Metaphor** is central to the verse's command: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." This is not a literal road construction project but a vivid image for spiritual and moral preparation. The "way" and "paths" are metaphorical for the lives and hearts of the people, which need to be cleared of sin and made righteous to receive the Lord. The phrase "voice of one crying" also uses **Synecdoche**, where "voice" represents the entire person and their message, emphasizing the singular, powerful, and urgent nature of John's prophetic proclamation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 3:3 profoundly connects John the Baptist's ministry to God's overarching redemptive plan, highlighting the divine orchestration of history. It underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises, demonstrating that John's appearance was not coincidental but a precise, divinely appointed event. This verse establishes the essential theological principle that the coming of the Lord necessitates prior spiritual preparation, emphasizing repentance as the foundational response to God's impending visitation. John's role as the forerunner bridges the Old and New Testaments, signaling the imminent arrival of the Messiah and the dawn of a new era of salvation.

* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")
* [Mark 1:2-3](/mark/1-2-3 "Mark 1:2-3 - John the Baptist's Ministry")
* [Luke 1:16-17](/luke/1-16-17 "Luke 1:16-17 - John's Prophetic Role")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 3:3 calls us to a profound spiritual introspection, echoing John the Baptist's urgent summons to prepare for the Lord. Just as John prepared the way for Christ's first coming, this verse challenges us to continually prepare our own hearts and the hearts of those around us for the Lord's ongoing work in the world and His glorious return. This preparation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of spiritual readiness. It involves diligently examining our lives, identifying the "crooked paths" of sin, compromise, and worldly distractions, and actively seeking to straighten them through confession, repentance, and obedience to God's Word. We are called to remove the obstacles of pride, unforgiveness, and apathy that hinder our relationship with God and our ability to serve Him effectively. Furthermore, as followers of Christ, we are also called to be "voices" in our own spheres, pointing others to the Savior and encouraging them to prepare their hearts for Him, participating in the ongoing mission of making His paths straight in a world desperately in need of His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "crooked paths" or "obstacles" in my own life need to be straightened or removed to better prepare for the Lord's presence and work?**
* **How can I, like John, be a "voice" in my sphere of influence, pointing others to Christ and encouraging spiritual preparation?**
* **In what ways does my daily life reflect a readiness and eagerness for Christ's return or His deeper work within me?**

### FAQ
**Who was "Esaias" mentioned in Matthew 3:3?**

Answer: "Esaias" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Isaiah. He was one of the most significant Old Testament prophets, active in the 8th century BC, whose book contains numerous prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and His kingdom. Matthew's quotation of [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - The Voice in the Wilderness") explicitly links John the Baptist's ministry to this ancient prophecy, demonstrating that John's role as the forerunner was part of God's long-foretold plan.

**What does it mean to "prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful metaphor rooted in ancient customs where roads were physically prepared for the arrival of a king or dignitary. Spiritually, it means to make oneself ready for the Lord's coming by removing all obstacles of sin, unrighteousness, and spiritual apathy from one's life. It involves repentance (a change of mind and direction), moral rectitude, and cultivating a heart that is receptive and obedient to God's will. John the Baptist's message was a call to inner transformation, urging people to align their lives with God's righteous standards so that the [Messiah could enter and establish His reign](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 3:3 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, for whom John the Baptist prepared the way. John's entire ministry, from his wilderness dwelling to his urgent call to repentance, was solely to announce and facilitate the coming of the [true Lord](/john/13-13 "John 13:13 - Jesus is Lord and Master"). The "way of the Lord" that John prepared was the path for Jesus, the Messiah, to begin His public ministry, preach the good news of the [Kingdom of Heaven](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom"), and ultimately offer Himself as the sacrifice for sin. John's "voice" was necessary because the world needed to be awakened to the reality that God was about to break into human history in the person of [Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). John identified Jesus as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making it clear that the "straight paths" led directly to the One who would fulfill all righteousness and bring salvation. Thus, Matthew 3:3 is not merely about John, but fundamentally about the One to whom John points: Jesus, the Lord for whom all creation must prepare.

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.

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.