This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

LUKE 7:27KJV
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Luke 7:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:27 mean?

Luke 7:27 says that John the Baptist is the one spoken of in earlier Scripture as the messenger sent ahead to prepare the way for someone greater—Jesus. This verse points out that John’s role was predicted and that he fulfills a specific purpose in God’s plan.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the crowd about John the Baptist. Jesus quotes from earlier Scripture (mainly Malachi 3:1) to show that John is not just another prophet, but the promised messenger who would come before the Messiah. This helps the listeners understand the importance of John’s ministry and how it fits into the bigger story of God’s work.

The Greek behind Luke 7:27

  • ἄγγελον (angelon, “messenger”): This word can mean “angel” or “messenger.” Here, it clearly refers to a human messenger—John the Baptist—sent with a special task.
  • ἐξαποστέλλω (exapostellō, “I send”): This verb carries the sense of sending someone out with authority and purpose, not just casually sending them off. It highlights that John’s mission comes directly from God.
  • κατασκευάσει (kataskeuasei, “prepare”): This word means to make ready or to set things in order. John’s job was to get people ready for Jesus by calling them to repentance and pointing them to the coming Savior.

Why Luke 7:27 matters

  • Luke 7:27 clarifies that John the Baptist’s role was not accidental or self-appointed, but part of a long-expected plan revealed in Scripture.
  • By quoting Scripture, Jesus connects John’s ministry to God’s promises, helping the crowd see that God’s plan is unfolding just as foretold.
  • This verse helps readers understand the transition from the Old Testament prophets to the arrival of Jesus, showing how John stands at a turning point in God’s story.

Where else these words appear

“prepare” Greek G2680 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
  • Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:11 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: