Bible Strands
Mark 1:3
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text records a voice calling out in the wilderness to prepare a way for the Lord. This proclamation occurs at the moment John the Baptist appears preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).
The words — The Greek ἑτοιμάσατε (hetoimasate) translates literally as "do prepare" and issues a direct command. The phrase τὴν ὁδὸν (tēn hodon) means "the way," defining the specific path that must be cleared.
The thread — This quotation originates in Isaiah 40:3 and is repeated in Matthew 3:3 and Luke 3:4 to identify the same wilderness proclamation. Each Gospel writer applies the text to John the Baptist's ministry.
Why it lands — The text demands the reader ready themselves for the Lord's arrival by removing spiritual obstacles. It requires a direct response of repentance and obedience rather than passive observation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
- Matthew 3:3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
- Luke 3:4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.
- John 3:28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’
- John 1:15 John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’”
- John 1:19 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”