King James Version

What Does Luke 3:4 Mean?

Luke 3:4 in the King James Version says “As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prep... — study this verse from Luke chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 3:4 · KJV


Context

2

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

4

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.

5

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;

6

And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John's ministry fulfills Isaiah 40:3-5: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' This prophecy announced the herald who would prepare for God's coming. The 'way of the Lord' requires preparation—removing obstacles, straightening paths. Spiritually, this means repentance removes sin's barriers between humanity and God. John's voice cries in the wilderness (both literal desert and spiritual wasteland), calling Israel back to God before Messiah's appearance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 40 began the 'Book of Comfort' announcing Israel's return from Babylonian exile. The imagery of preparing roads reflected ancient practice—advance crews prepared roads before a king's arrival, removing obstacles and leveling paths. John applies this to spiritual preparation—hearts must be readied for Messiah's coming through repentance. His wilderness location echoed Israel's formative wilderness period and recalled prophets who retreated to wilderness for divine encounter. The wilderness represents both judgment (exile) and renewal (preparation for redemption).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Isaiah's prophecy of preparing the Lord's way apply to spiritual obstacles that hinder people from receiving Christ?
  2. What does John's wilderness location teach about the kind of spiritual environment needed for genuine revival and preparation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ὡς1 of 23

As

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

γέγραπται2 of 23

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ἐν3 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

βίβλῳ4 of 23

the book

G976

a scroll

λόγων5 of 23

of the words

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

Ἠσαΐου6 of 23

of Esaias

G2268

hesaias (i.e., jeshajah), an israelite

τοῦ7 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

προφήτου8 of 23

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

λέγοντος,9 of 23

saying

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Φωνὴ10 of 23

The voice

G5456

a tone (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication, an address (for any purpose), saying or language

βοῶντος11 of 23

of one crying

G994

to halloo, i.e., shout (for help or in a tumultuous way)

ἐν12 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ13 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐρήμῳ·14 of 23

the wilderness

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

Ἑτοιμάσατε15 of 23

Prepare ye

G2090

to prepare

τὴν16 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδὸν17 of 23

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

κυρίου18 of 23

of the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εὐθείας19 of 23

straight

G2117

straight, i.e., (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once

ποιεῖτε20 of 23

make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὰς21 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίβους22 of 23

paths

G5147

a rut or worn track

αὐτοῦ·23 of 23

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study