and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "all flesh" isn't just a poetic way of saying "everyone"; it's a deliberate echo of the Old Testament, emphasizing that God's saving work is for all humanity, not just one nation or group. This means the Gospel is intended to break down every barrier, making God's salvation accessible to every single person, regardless of their background.
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
As John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance in the wilderness and baptizes those who confess their sins, his ministry fulfills prophecy by preparing the way for the Lord. This climactic moment, announced by a quote from Isaiah, signifies that God's saving power will soon be revealed, not just to a select few, but to all people.
How does a prophet's ancient promise about mountains being leveled find its echo in John the Baptist's ministry?
The Foundation in Isaiah
This powerful declaration in Luke 3:6 is a direct quote from Isaiah 40:5. Isaiah's prophecy envisioned a future restoration for Israel, where all barriers would be removed, allowing God's glory and salvation to be seen by everyone. Think of it like clearing away massive boulders and leveling hills to create a clear, open highway.
John's Ministry as the "Clearing Crew"
John the Baptist arrives on the scene in the wilderness, preaching repentance and baptizing. His ministry is the immediate fulfillment of Isaiah's words. He's not just a voice; he's the one actively preparing the way.
Luke, by including this quote, emphasizes that John's work isn't just a local event; it's the divinely appointed moment when God's long-promised, universal salvation begins to break through.
Ask a follow-up
When the verse says 'all flesh,' does it really mean everyone? What does this tell us about God's heart?
Beyond Borders and Backgrounds
The phrase "all flesh" is incredibly significant. It's not just referring to the Jewish people, but to all humanity. In the context of the Roman Empire, with its strict social hierarchies and divisions, this was a radical concept.
God's Inclusive Plan
Luke, as the author, had a particular interest in showcasing the inclusive nature of God's salvation. He highlights this universality in his Gospel:
This declaration points forward to Jesus, the Messiah, who is God's ultimate act of salvation, meant to be seen and received by the entire world.
Understand the original words
sarx · Greek Noun
A term frequently used to refer to all humanity, emphasizing human frailty, mortality, and our shared dependence on God. It suggests the universality of both sin and the availability of God’s grace.
sōtērion · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, it refers to the deliverance or rescue provided by God, specifically the eternal salvation from sin and death achieved through Jesus Christ. It denotes the act of God bringing about spiritual restoration and safety for His people.
This verse, spoken by John the Baptist, echoes Isaiah's prophecy. Its placement in Luke, grounded in specific Roman and regional rulers, highlights that God's salvation wasn't a hidden secret but a grand, world-changing event unfolding within the known political landscape of the Roman Empire.
c. 27-28 AD— this verse
Tiberius Caesar's 15th year
Luke anchors the narrative precisely in time, noting the fifteenth year of Emperor Tiberius' reign, a key marker for Roman administration and Jewish life.
c. 27-28 AD
Pontius Pilate Governor of Judea
Pontius Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea during this period, a time marked by Roman authority and increasing tension.
c. 27-28 AD
Herod Antipas Tetrarch of Galilee
Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea, maintaining a delicate political balance within the Roman Empire.
c. 27-28 AD
Philip Tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis
Philip, another son of Herod the Great, governed the northeastern territories of Ituraea and Trachonitis, contributing to the complex regional administration.
c. 27-28 AD
Annas and Caiaphas as High Priests
Though technically only one could hold the office, Annas and Caiaphas, both former and current High Priests, wielded significant religious and political influence in Jerusalem.
c. 27-28 AD
John the Baptist begins his ministry
In this charged political and religious climate, John the Baptist emerges in the Judean wilderness, preaching repentance and baptizing crowds, preparing the way for the coming Messiah.
This passage is the direct source for Luke's quote, emphasizing the universal revelation of God's glory and salvation, which John the Baptist heralds.
Luke 2:10This verse also speaks of 'good news of great joy for all the people,' mirroring the universal scope of salvation mentioned in Luke 3:6.
Acts 13:47This New Testament passage directly quotes Isaiah 49:6 (which echoes the theme of Luke 3:6) to show how God's salvation is extended to the Gentiles.
Psalm 98:3This psalm anticipates God revealing His salvation and righteousness to all nations, a theme powerfully echoed in John the Baptist's proclamation of universal access to God's saving power.
cambridgeLuke 3:6: "And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."
6 . all flesh shall see the salvation of God ] St Luke alone adds these words to the quotation, and his doing so is characteristic of his object, which was to bring out the blessedness and universality of the Gospel. See Luke 2:10 , Luke 24:47 , and Introd. p. 25. “The salvation” is τὸ σωτήριον , as in Luke 2:30 . When the mountains of earthly tyranny and spiritual pride are levelled, the view of God’s saving power becomes clear to all f…
calvinLuke 3:1-6: "Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,"
- Now in those days John the Baptist comes, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2. And saying, Repent: [243] for the kingdom of heaven is at hand, 3. For this is he, of whom it has been spoken by Isaiah the prophet, who says, The…
The phrase "all flesh" isn't just a poetic way of saying "everyone"; it's a deliberate echo of the Old Testament, emphasizing that God's saving work is for all humanity, not just one nation or group. This means the Gospel is intended to break down every barrier, making God's salvation accessible to every single person, regardless of their background.
As John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance in the wilderness and baptizes those who confess their sins, his ministry fulfills prophecy by preparing the way for the Lord. This climactic moment, announced by a quote from Isaiah, signifies that God's saving power will soon be revealed, not just to a select few, but to all people.
As John the Baptist preaches a message of repentance in the wilderness and baptizes those who confess their sins, his ministry fulfills prophecy by preparing the way for the Lord. This climactic moment, announced by a quote from Isaiah, signifies that God's saving power will soon be revealed, not just to a select few, but to all people.
"and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”" — The phrase "all flesh" isn't just a poetic way of saying "everyone"; it's a deliberate echo of the Old Testament, emphasizing that God's saving work is for all humanity, not just one nation or grou…
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Last reviewed October 2026