Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

LUKE 3:5KJV
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Luke 3:5 (KJV)

What does Luke 3:5 mean?

Luke 3:5 describes a dramatic leveling out of the landscape: every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill brought low, the crooked made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. This verse uses vivid imagery to show that obstacles and barriers will be removed, preparing the way for something important.

John the Baptist is speaking to crowds in the wilderness, quoting words from the prophet Isaiah. He is announcing that God is about to act, and people should get ready for the coming of the Lord. The language paints a picture of total transformation, suggesting that nothing will stand in the way of God’s arrival.

The Greek behind Luke 3:5

  • The word for "valley" (φάραγξ, pharags) points to deep, low places—symbolizing difficulties or low points in life that will be raised up.
  • "Mountain" (ὄρος, oros) and "hill" (βουνός, bounos) refer to high, imposing obstacles; the Greek word for "brought low" (ταπεινόω, tapeinoō) means to humble or flatten, emphasizing that nothing too high or proud will remain.
  • "Crooked" (σκολιός, skolios) and "straight" (εὐθεῖα, eutheia) highlight the idea of making twisted or complicated things direct and clear, showing a focus on removing confusion or barriers.
  • "Rough" (τραχεῖα, tracheia) and "smooth" (λεία, leia) stress the change from difficult, harsh paths to easy, accessible ones, reinforcing the message that the way is being prepared for all.

Why Luke 3:5 matters

  • Luke 3:5 clears up that the coming of the Lord is not just a private or spiritual event, but something meant to change the world in visible, dramatic ways.
  • The verse connects John’s ministry to ancient prophecy, showing that his call to repentance is part of a much bigger story about God’s promises.
  • This imagery helps readers see that God’s arrival means real change—removing barriers and making a way for everyone, not just a select few.

Where else these words appear

“hill” Greek G1015 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.

“rough” Greek G5138 · used in 2 verses

  • Acts 27:29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

“crooked” Greek G4646 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
  • 1 Peter 2:18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

“low” Greek G5013 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
  • Philippians 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.