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 1:76KJV
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Luke 1:76 (KJV)

What does Luke 1:76 mean?

Luke 1:76 describes how the child being addressed—John the Baptist—will be called a prophet of God (“the Highest”) and will go ahead of the Lord to prepare the way for Him. This verse highlights John’s special role in announcing and preparing people for the coming of Jesus.

In this scene, Zechariah is speaking to his newborn son, John, during a prophetic song after John’s birth. Zechariah is declaring that John will have a unique calling: he will be a prophet who prepares people for the arrival of the Lord. The verse points to John’s role as a forerunner, setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry.

The Greek behind Luke 1:76

  • ὑψίστου (hypsistou, “Highest”): This word refers to God in the highest sense, emphasizing God’s supreme authority and majesty. Calling John a prophet of “the Highest” underlines the importance of his mission.
  • προπορεύσῃ (proporeusē, “go before”): This verb means to go ahead or lead the way. It shows that John’s job is to go in advance of the Lord, not just to announce Him but to actively prepare the path.
  • ἑτοιμάσαι (hetoimasai, “prepare”): This word means to make ready or put in order. John’s work involves getting people ready—spiritually and practically—for the coming of Jesus.

Why Luke 1:76 matters

  • Luke 1:76 clarifies that John the Baptist’s role is not to be the Messiah himself, but to prepare people for Jesus by turning their attention and hearts toward God.
  • The verse connects John’s ministry to Old Testament prophecies about a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord, showing continuity in God’s plan.
  • This verse helps set the stage for the rest of Luke’s Gospel, making clear that John’s life and work are all about pointing forward to Jesus and His mission.

Where else these words appear

“go” Greek G4313 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 7:40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

“Highest” Greek G5310 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
  • Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
  • Luke 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

“prepare” Greek G2090 · used in 40 verses

  • 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.
  • Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
  • John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

“child” Greek G3813 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
  • Mark 5:39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.
  • Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.