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.

LUKE 3:4KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 3:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:4 mean?

Luke 3:4 says that John the Baptist’s ministry fulfills a prophecy from Isaiah, describing him as a voice calling out in the wilderness for people to prepare for the coming of the Lord by making His path straight. This verse connects John’s message and role directly to Old Testament expectations about someone who would prepare people for God’s arrival.

Luke is quoting from the book of Isaiah to show that John the Baptist is the one Isaiah spoke about long ago. The setting is John preaching in the wilderness, urging people to get ready for God’s work. The verse uses the image of preparing a road, which in ancient times meant clearing obstacles for a king’s arrival—here, it means getting hearts ready for God.

The Greek behind Luke 3:4

  • ἔρημος (erēmos, “wilderness”): The Greek word emphasizes a deserted, uncultivated place, highlighting that John’s message comes from outside the centers of power and religion.
  • ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, “prepare”): This word means to make ready or to put in proper order, suggesting active effort is needed to welcome the Lord.
  • εὐθείας (eutheias, “straight”): The Greek word means direct or level, painting a picture of removing obstacles or making a clear, unhindered way for someone important.

Why Luke 3:4 matters

  • Luke 3:4 clears up that John the Baptist’s role was not invented by him or by the early Christians; it was rooted in ancient prophecy, giving his mission authority and purpose.
  • The verse emphasizes that preparation for God’s coming involves real change—removing obstacles and making a clear path, not just waiting passively.
  • By quoting Isaiah, Luke ties the story of Jesus to the larger story of God’s promises to Israel, showing continuity between the Old and New Testaments.

Where else these words appear

“paths” Greek G5147 · used in 3 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.
  • Mark 1:3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

“crying” Greek G994 · used in 11 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 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?
  • Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

“book” Greek G976 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
  • Acts 1:20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
  • Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

“straight” Greek G2117 · used in 16 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.
  • Mark 1:12 And immediately the Spirit driveth him into the wilderness.
  • John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.