As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

MARK 1:2KJV
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Mark 1:2 (KJV)

What does Mark 1:2 mean?

Mark 1:2 says that what is happening in the story is fulfilling what was written by the prophets: God is sending a messenger ahead to prepare the way for someone important. This sets the stage for the arrival of Jesus by showing that these events were predicted and are part of God’s plan.

In this verse, the writer of Mark is introducing the beginning of Jesus’ ministry by pointing back to the Old Testament prophets. The “messenger” refers to someone who comes before Jesus (later revealed as John the Baptist), and the “way” means getting people ready for Jesus’ arrival. Mark is speaking to his readers, showing that Jesus’ story is connected to earlier promises from God.

The Greek behind Mark 1:2

  • προφήταις (prophētais, “prophets”): This word shows that Mark is not quoting just one prophet but drawing from a tradition of prophetic writings, giving weight and authority to what is about to happen.
  • ἄγγελόν (angelon, “messenger”): In Greek, this word can mean either an angel or a human messenger. Here, it points to a human (John the Baptist), but the word’s flexibility highlights the special role of the one sent by God.
  • ἑτοιμάσει (hetoimasei, “prepare”): This verb means to make ready or put in order. The idea is not just announcing but actively getting things ready for someone significant to arrive.

Why Mark 1:2 matters

  • Mark 1:2 makes clear that the story of Jesus is not a sudden, isolated event but is rooted in God’s earlier promises through the prophets.
  • By calling John the Baptist a “messenger,” Mark highlights John’s unique role in preparing people for Jesus, not just as a preacher but as someone sent by God for a specific purpose.
  • This verse helps readers see the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament, showing that Jesus’ coming is the fulfillment of a long-anticipated hope.

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: