Luke 3:4

Translations

Modern

…as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.

Traditional

As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Literal

…as it has been written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight His paths.

Latin

…sicut scriptum est in libro sermonum Isaiæ prophetæ: Vox clamantis in deserto: Parate viam Domini; rectas facite semitas ejus:

Original

Greek

English

…as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.

Notes

Luke 3:4–6

The quotation is from the ancient Greek version of Isaiah 40:3–5. It describes God bringing the Jews back from exile in Babylon. After they returned (Ezra 1–2). John shouted in the wilderness to prepare God’s people for the Lord’s coming. God’s salvation is portrayed as a new exodus, bringing deliverance like the first exodus from Egypt.
make straight paths for Him … the rough ways smooth: This image reflects the Middle Eastern custom of preparing a road for a king (compare Luke 19:36–38).

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah John the Baptist Baptism

Events

John the Baptist Begins Ministryc. AD 26

Related verses

Isaiah 40:3–5
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
John 1:23
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
Luke 1:76–79
And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
John 1:26–36
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands One you do not know.
Isaiah 62:10
Go out, go out through the gates; prepare the way for the people! Build it up, build up the highway; clear away the stones; raise a banner for the nations!
John 1:7
He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe.
John 3:28–36
You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
Isaiah 57:14
And it will be said, “Build it up, build it up, prepare the way, take every obstacle out of the way of My people.”
Luke 1:16–17
Many of the sons of Israel he will turn back to the Lord their God.
Malachi 4:6
And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Mark 1:3
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Matthew 3:3
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.’”

Parallels

Isaiah 40:1–5 Matthew 3:1–12 Mark 1:1–8 John 1:19–28

People

Isaiah: Prophet during reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah

Glossary

Baptism of Jesus Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Genealogy Gospel Jesus Christ John the Baptist Luke, Gospel of Path Wilderness

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Coming of John: Mission of

Luke 3:4

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