John 1:23

The Mission of John the Baptist

22So they said to him, “Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

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Berean Standard Bible
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
American Standard Version (1901)
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.
Bible in Basic English
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the waste land, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.
Free Bible Version
“I am a voice calling in the desert, ‘Make the Lord's way straight!’” he said, using the words of the prophet Isaiah.
Geneva Bible 1599
He said, I am the voyce of him that cryeth in the wildernesse, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the Prophet Esaias.
King James (Authorized) Version
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
One Unity Resource Bible
He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of MarYah [Master Yahweh],’ as Isaiah [Salvation of Yah] the prophet said.”
Plain English Version
John talked to them with the words that Isaiah wrote, a long time ago. Isaiah told people God’s words, and they are in God’s book. John said, “I am a man that is out in the bush, calling out to people. I’m saying, ‘You mob get ready. Later on, God will come to this country. It is like when a big boss comes, you have to make a good road for him.’”
Translation for Translators
John replied, “I am the one the prophet Isaiah said would proclaim this new message loudly to the people who would pass by in this desolate area: ‘Prepare yourselves to receive the Lord when he comes [MET], just like people prepare a road for an important official.
Unlocked Literal Bible
He said, “I am a voice, crying in the wilderness: 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' just as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Noah Webster Bible
He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah.
World English Bible
He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
Young's Literal Translation
He said, 'I [am] a voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord, as said Isaiah the prophet.'