John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet , etc.] ( Isaiah 40:3) saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord make his paths straight; (See Gill on Matthew 3:3).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-14 - The scope and design of John's ministry were, to bring the people from their sins, and to their Saviour. He came preaching, not a sect, or party, but a profession; the sign or ceremony was washing with water By the words here used John preached the necessity of repentance, i order to the remission of sins, and that the baptism of water was a outward sign of that inward cleansing and renewal of heart, whic attend, or are the effects of true repentance, as well as a professio of it. Here is the fulfilling of the Scriptures, Isa 40:3, in the ministry of John. When way is made for the gospel into the heart, by taking down high thoughts, and bringing them into obedience to Christ by levelling the soul, and removing all that hinders us in the way of Christ and his grace, then preparation is made to welcome the salvatio of God. Here are general warnings and exhortations which John gave. The guilty, corrupted race of mankind is become a generation of vipers hateful to God, and hating one another. There is no way of fleeing from the wrath to come, but by repentance; and by the change of our way the change of our mind must be shown. If we are not really holy, both i heart and life, our profession of religion and relation to God and his church, will stand us in no stead at all; the sorer will ou destruction be, if we do not bring forth fruits meet for repentance John the Baptist gave instructions to several sorts of persons. Thos that profess and promise repentance, must show it by reformation according to their places and conditions. The gospel requires mercy not sacrifice; and its design is, to engage us to do all the good we can, and to be just to all men. And the same principle which leads me to forego unjust gain, leads to restore that which is gained by wrong John tells the soldiers their duty. Men should be cautioned against the temptations of their employments. These answers declared the presen duty of the inquirers, and at once formed a test of their sincerity. A none can or will accept Christ's salvation without true repentance, s the evidence and effects of this repentance are here marked out.
Greek Textus Receptus
ως 5613 ADV γεγραπται 1125 5769 V-RPI-3S εν 1722 PREP βιβλω 976 N-DSF λογων 3056 N-GPM ησαιου 2268 N-GSM του 3588 T-GSM προφητου 4396 N-GSM λεγοντος 3004 5723 V-PAP-GSN φωνη 5456 N-NSF βοωντος 994 5723 V-PAP-GSM εν 1722 PREP τη 3588 T-DSF ερημω 2048 A-DSF ετοιμασατε 2090 5657 V-AAM-2P την 3588 T-ASF οδον 3598 N-ASF κυριου 2962 N-GSM ευθειας 2117 A-APF ποιειτε 4160 5720 V-PAM-2P τας 3588 T-APF τριβους 5147 N-APF αυτου 846 P-GSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
4. Isaiah. In this prophetic citation Mark adds to Isaiah Mal. iii. 1, which does not appear in either Matthew or Luke. Luke adds vv. 4, 5 of Isaiah 40, which do not appear in the others.Paths (tribouv). From tribw, to rub or wear. Hence beaten tracks.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:4 {As it is written} (hws gegraptai). The regular formula for quotation, perfect passive indicative of grafw. {Isaiah the prophet} (esaiou tou profetou). The same phrase in #Mr 1:2 (correct text) and #Mt 3:3. Mark, as we have seen, adds a quotation from #Mal 3:1 and Luke gives verses 4 and 5 of #Isa. 40 not in Matthew or Mark (#Lu 3:5,6). See #Mt 3:3; Mr 1:3 for discussion of Luke 4:4.
