Matthew 3:4

KJV

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the same {G846} John {G2491} had {G2192} his {G846} raiment {G1742} of {G575} camel's {G2574} hair {G2359}, and {G2532} a leathern {G1193} girdle {G2223} about {G4012} his {G846} loins {G3751}; and {G1161} his {G846} meat {G5160} was {G2258} locusts {G200} and {G2532} wild {G66} honey {G3192}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yochanan wore clothes of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Berean Standard Bible

John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.

American Standard Version

Now John himself had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 3:4 provides a vivid, concise portrait of John the Baptist, detailing his distinctive ascetic appearance and diet, which served not merely as personal eccentricities but as powerful visual declarations of his prophetic identity and his unique mission as the wilderness herald preparing the way for the Messiah. This description immediately sets him apart, signaling his divine calling and radical message of repentance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 3 opens with John the Baptist emerging from the wilderness, preaching a stark message of repentance and announcing the imminent arrival of the Kingdom of Heaven. Verse 4 immediately follows this introduction, offering a physical description of John that reinforces his prophetic authority and unconventional nature. This description serves to visually align him with the ancient prophets, particularly Elijah, and to underscore the radical, counter-cultural nature of his ministry, which stood in stark contrast to the religious establishment of his day. His appearance prepares the reader for the confrontational tone of his message to the Pharisees and Sadducees in [Matthew 3:7-10](/matthew/3-7-10 "John the Baptist confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judea, a prophet's attire and lifestyle often communicated their message and identity. Coarse clothing, such as that made from camel's hair, and a simple leather belt were associated with prophets, notably Elijah (as seen in [2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "Description of Elijah's appearance")). This attire signified a detachment from worldly comforts and an intense dedication to God's calling, often implying a life of austerity and divine commission. The wilderness itself was a significant setting in Jewish thought, often associated with divine encounters, purification, and the beginning of new movements, recalling Israel's exodus and the giving of the Law. John's diet of locusts and wild honey, while unusual, was permissible under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:22](/leviticus/11-22 "Dietary laws regarding locusts")), signifying self-denial and reliance on God's direct provision in the untamed environment, rather than on cultivated food.

* **Key Themes:** John's appearance in [Matthew 3:4](/matthew/3-4 "John the Baptist's appearance and diet") contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it establishes his **Prophetic Identity**, directly linking him to the long line of Israel's prophets and, most powerfully, to the expected return of Elijah, who was prophesied to precede the Messiah ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Prophecy of Elijah's return")). Secondly, his **Asceticism and Detachment** from societal norms highlight his singular focus on God's mission, demonstrating a profound spiritual commitment over material comfort. This lifestyle underscores the theme of **Radical Obedience** to God's call, regardless of social expectations. Finally, his wilderness ministry, coupled with his appearance, powerfully embodies the theme of **Preparing the Way for the Lord**, fulfilling the prophecy of a "voice crying in the wilderness" found in [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's prophecy of a voice in the wilderness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **raiment (Greek, _éndyma'_):** From *endyo*, meaning "to put on." This term refers specifically to an outer garment or clothing. In John's case, it denotes the distinctive attire that immediately marked him as a prophet, setting him apart from ordinary people and connecting him to figures like Elijah.
* **camel's (Greek, _kámēlos'_):** Directly translates to "camel." The use of camel hair for clothing indicates a coarse, rough, and inexpensive fabric, typically associated with poverty, humility, or the ascetic practices of prophets. It signifies a rejection of luxury and worldly status.
* **locusts (Greek, _akrís'_):** Refers to the insect, specifically a type of grasshopper. This was a permissible food source under Mosaic law for certain winged insects ([Leviticus 11:22](/leviticus/11-22 "Dietary laws concerning locusts")). Its inclusion in John's diet emphasizes his simple, wilderness-dependent lifestyle and his reliance on natural, readily available, uncultivated food, symbolizing his detachment from conventional society and its provisions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair":** This clause immediately identifies John the Baptist and describes his primary outer garment. The "raiment of camel's hair" was a coarse, rough fabric, signifying a humble, ascetic, and prophetic lifestyle. This attire would have immediately evoked imagery of ancient prophets, particularly Elijah, to a Jewish audience.
* **"and a leathern girdle about his loins":** This detail further describes John's simple attire. A "leathern girdle" (belt) was a common accessory, but combined with the camel's hair garment, it reinforced the image of a wilderness dweller and a prophet, underscoring his detachment from societal norms and his readiness for action in his ministry.
* **"and his meat was locusts and wild honey":** This final clause specifies John's diet. "Meat" (Greek, *trophē*) here means "food" or "nourishment." His sustenance from "locusts and wild honey" highlights his self-denial and complete reliance on the natural provisions of the wilderness. This diet further emphasizes his separation from conventional society, his austerity, and his prophetic identity, living a life sustained directly by God's creation.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 3:4 employs several **Literary Devices** to convey John the Baptist's significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, as John's "raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle" is not merely descriptive but deeply symbolic of his prophetic office, directly echoing the attire of Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). This visual **Allusion** to Elijah establishes John as the anticipated forerunner of the Messiah, fulfilling ancient prophecies. His diet of "locusts and wild honey" further symbolizes his asceticism, self-denial, and complete reliance on God's provision in the wilderness, portraying him as a figure set apart, untainted by worldly comforts. The entire description functions as a form of **Characterization**, vividly painting a picture of John that immediately communicates his radical nature, divine authority, and the urgency of his message, preparing the reader for the profound spiritual shift he represents.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John the Baptist's distinctive appearance and diet in Matthew 3:4 are not incidental details but are deeply theological, signifying his role as God's chosen messenger for a pivotal moment in redemptive history. His ascetic lifestyle and prophetic garb underscore the seriousness of his call to repentance and his unique position as the bridge between the Old Covenant prophets and the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus. He embodies the prophetic tradition, living a life dedicated wholly to God's will, demonstrating that true spiritual authority comes not from worldly status or comfort, but from humble obedience and divine appointment. This portrayal emphasizes the radical nature of God's kingdom, which often operates outside conventional expectations, calling for a profound shift in values and priorities.

* [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi's prophecy of Elijah's return"): "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD."
* [2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "Description of Elijah's appearance"): "And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite."
* [Luke 7:24-28](/luke/7-24-28 "Jesus speaks about John the Baptist"): "And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John the Baptist's life, as depicted in Matthew 3:4, serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the nature of true spiritual commitment and effective ministry. His humble appearance and simple diet underscore the principle that outward show and worldly comforts are secondary to a singular devotion to God's calling. In a world often consumed by materialism and superficiality, John's example challenges us to evaluate our own priorities, asking whether our lives reflect a similar detachment from worldly pursuits and a deep reliance on God's provision. His willingness to be unconventional for the sake of his mission encourages us to be bold and authentic in our faith, even when it means standing apart from the crowd. Ultimately, John's life teaches us that faithfulness to God's purpose, lived out with integrity and humility, is far more impactful than any outward display.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does John's appearance and diet challenge our modern understanding of what makes a person "effective" or "successful" in ministry or life?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be relying too much on worldly comforts or societal approval, rather than on God's provision and calling?**
* **What "wilderness" experiences in your life might God be using to cultivate a deeper reliance on Him and prepare you for a specific purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did John the Baptist dress and eat in such an unusual way?**

Answer: John the Baptist's distinctive attire of "raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle" and his diet of "locusts and wild honey" were not merely eccentricities but carried profound symbolic and prophetic significance. His clothing directly echoed the appearance of the prophet Elijah ([2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "Elijah's description")), signaling to his Jewish audience that he was a prophet in the ancient tradition, and specifically, the awaited forerunner of the Messiah ([Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Prophecy of Elijah's return")). His ascetic diet and wilderness dwelling further emphasized his detachment from worldly comforts, his self-denial, and his complete reliance on God's direct provision. This lifestyle underscored the urgency and radical nature of his message of repentance, demonstrating a singular focus on his divine mission to prepare the way for the Lord ([Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's prophecy of a voice in the wilderness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Matthew 3:4 describes John the Baptist, his entire life and ministry, including his ascetic appearance, find their ultimate meaning and fulfillment in pointing to Jesus Christ. John's prophetic attire and wilderness diet were powerful visual aids, preparing the way for the one who was "greater than he" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "John the Baptist speaks of Jesus' coming")). John's self-denial and humble reliance on God's provision foreshadow the radical humility of Christ, who, though divine, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Jesus' humility and servanthood")). John's voice crying in the wilderness prepared hearts for the "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God")). His austere life contrasts with the abundance of grace and truth brought by Jesus ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ")), yet both were perfectly aligned with God's redemptive plan. John's role was to decrease so that Christ might increase ([John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John the Baptist says, 'He must increase, but I must decrease'")), making his very appearance a living testament to the coming Messiah, who would bring not just a call to repentance, but the power of the Holy Spirit and fire ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "John the Baptist speaks of baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire")).

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

2 Kings 1:8

And they answered him, [He was] an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It [is] Elijah the Tishbite.

Leviticus 11:22

[Even] these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind.

Zechariah 13:4

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

Mark 1:6

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

Matthew 11:8

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft [clothing] are in kings' houses.

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.

Malachi 4:5

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: