King James Bible
"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 establishes divine authority by citing Isaiah 40:3, connecting John the Baptist's ministry to ancient prophecy. This formulaic introduction was common in Jewish writings to show fulfillment of Scripture, legitimizing the events about to unfold. John the Baptist is identified as the prophetic voice calling from the Judean desert, a place symbolizing both judgment and renewal in Jewish thought. The wilderness setting recalls Israel's formative exodus experience, suggesting a new spiritual beginning. Originally describing road preparation for a royal procession, this metaphor calls for spiritual readiness through repentance. The command implies removing moral obstacles and straightening crooked hearts to receive the coming Messiah.