King James Bible
"And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;"
Zechariah prophesies over his infant son John, declaring he will be recognized as a prophet of God Most High. This designation connects John to the Old Testament prophetic tradition while emphasizing his unique role in salvation history. The intimate address 'child' underscores the divine calling placed on John from birth. This phrase identifies John as the forerunner prophesied in Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, who would herald the Messiah's arrival. The imagery of going 'before the face' suggests both preparing the way and announcing the imminent presence of the Lord himself. John's mission centers on readying people's hearts through repentance and baptism for the coming kingdom. The plural 'ways' encompasses both the spiritual preparation of Israel and the literal paths Jesus would walk in his ministry.