# Connecting Statement:

This verse tells how the messenger in verse 2 would prepare the Lord's way.

# The voice of one crying out in the wilderness

This phrase can be expressed as a sentence. Alternate translation: "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness is heard" or "They hear the sound of someone crying out in the wilderness"

# Make ready the way of the Lord ... make his paths straight

These two phrases mean the same thing. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-parallelism]])

# Make ready the way of the Lord

"Get the road ready for the Lord." Doing this represents being prepared to hear the Lord's message when he comes. Alternate translation: "Prepare yourselves for the Lord to come" or "Be ready for the Lord when he comes" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])