The verse highlights that John's "preaching" (a public proclamation, like a herald's announcement) took place in the "wilderness," which wasn't a desolate wasteland but an uncultivated, sparsely populated region. This setting emphasizes his austerity and separation from the religious and political centers of the day, underscoring that his message was divinely commissioned, not a product of the established systems.
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
"In those days" signals a significant time jump, placing John the Baptist's ministry years after Jesus' childhood in Nazareth. John emerges in the remote Judean wilderness, not as a city dweller but as a stark, prophetic voice calling people to repentance. This marks the essential prelude to Jesus' public ministry, introducing the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
When you hear 'wilderness,' what comes to mind? John the Baptist appeared in a place that was both remote and surprisingly populated.
The 'wilderness of Judea' wasn't an empty wasteland. Think of it more as uncultivated, sparsely inhabited territory, perfect for shepherds and those seeking solitude, but not entirely devoid of life. It was a place for reflection and a stark contrast to the bustling cities.
A Place of Transition
This rugged landscape was fitting for John's message. It represented a stripping away of the familiar, a space where people could confront their need for change away from the distractions of everyday life.
Symbolic Setting
John's appearance in the wilderness was symbolic. It echoed the ancient prophets and the Israelites' journey in the desert, signifying a preparation for something new and a turning back to God.
John didn't just whisper; he 'preached.' What does that word reveal about the urgency and nature of his message?
The Greek word translated as 'preaching' (κηρύσσων - kērýssōn) means to proclaim loudly, like a herald making a public announcement. This wasn't a casual chat; it was a declaration of vital importance.
A Message from God
John wasn't sharing his own opinions. He was a messenger, a 'herald' for God, announcing a matter of great consequence. His authority came directly from his divine commission.
Ask a follow-up
The Core of the Message
While Matthew doesn't detail John's sermon here, the context and later verses show his message was a call to repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. It was a public, urgent summons to turn from sin.
Why did John the Baptist start preaching around the same time Jesus began his public ministry, after years of silence?
The phrase 'In those days' is intentionally broad, pointing back to Jesus' time in Nazareth. It signifies an unspecified period, likely around 30 years, before John and Jesus entered their public roles.
Divine Timing
Both John and Jesus began their ministries around the age of 30, a significant age in Jewish tradition for taking on public office or prophetic roles. This wasn't accidental; it reflects a divinely appointed timeline.
Preparation for the Messiah
John's emergence was not just a random event. It was the necessary prelude to the Messiah's arrival, fulfilling prophecies and preparing the way for Jesus' ministry. His role was to announce and authenticate the coming King.
Understand the original words
Iōannēs · Greek Noun
The son of Zechariah and Elizabeth who acted as the forerunner of Jesus Christ, calling the people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. His ministry fulfilled Old Testament prophecy regarding the messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
metanoeō · Greek Verb
A turning from sin toward God, involving a change of heart, mind, and direction. It is a fundamental requirement for entering the kingdom of God and is prompted by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
basileia · Greek Noun
The sovereign rule and reign of God, both in the hearts of believers and in its future, consummated manifestation on earth. It refers to the reality of God's authority over his creation and his people.
engizō · Greek Verb phrase
An expression indicating that the kingdom is imminent, drawing near, or has arrived in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. It marks a decisive turning point in redemptive history.
prophētēs · Greek Noun
An inspired spokesperson for God who declares His will and often predicts future events. Prophets in the Bible served as mediators of God's revelation to His covenant people.
Kyrios · Greek Noun
Yahweh or Adonai; the covenant God of Israel. In the New Testament, this term is frequently applied to Jesus, identifying Him as the promised Messiah and the divine King.
John the Baptist's emergence in the Judean wilderness marks a pivotal moment, signaling the end of a long period of prophetic silence and the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
c. 6 BC
Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, is born. He is related to Jesus and destined to be His forerunner.
c. 5 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, marking the beginning of the Messiah's earthly life. His family later settles in Nazareth.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Settles in Nazareth
After returning from Egypt, Jesus and his family settle in Nazareth. This period marks the beginning of Jesus' roughly thirty years of relative obscurity.
c. AD 28-29— this verse
John the Baptist Begins Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a message of repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah.
c. AD 29
Jesus is Baptized
Jesus comes from Nazareth to John in the Jordan wilderness to be baptized, initiating His public ministry.
c. AD 30-31
John the Baptist Imprisoned and Executed
John is imprisoned and later beheaded by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage. His ministry concludes.
This verse directly foretells John's ministry in the wilderness, describing him as the 'voice crying in the wilderness' to prepare the way for the Lord.
Malachi 3:1This prophecy speaks of a messenger who will prepare the way before the Lord, a role John the Baptist fulfilled by heralding Jesus' arrival.
Luke 1:80This passage describes John's growth and development in the wilderness, setting the stage for his public ministry that Matthew introduces.
John 1:23John himself quotes Isaiah 40:3 when asked who he is, directly linking his wilderness ministry to biblical prophecy.
vincentMatthew 3:1: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
In those daysThe phrase is indefinite, but always points back to a preceding date; in this case to the date of the settlement of the family at Nazareth. "In those days," i.e., some time during the nearly thirty years since that settlement.JohnHebrew, meaning God has dealt graciously. Compare the German Gotthold.Came (παραγίνεται)Rev., cometh. The verb is used in what is called the historical present, giv…
bensonMatthew 3:1: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
Matthew 3:1 . In those days — That is, in those years. For, as these events happened near thirty years after those recorded in the former chapter, this phrase is to be taken, in a very extensive sense, for that age of which he had spoken in the preceding words. And it is here used with the greater propriety, because John did indeed appear in his public character while Christ continued to dwell at Nazareth…
The verse highlights that John's "preaching" (a public proclamation, like a herald's announcement) took place in the "wilderness," which wasn't a desolate wasteland but an uncultivated, sparsely populated region. This setting emphasizes his austerity and separation from the religious and political centers of the day, underscoring that his message was divinely commissioned, not a product of the established systems.
"In those days" signals a significant time jump, placing John the Baptist's ministry years after Jesus' childhood in Nazareth. John emerges in the remote Judean wilderness, not as a city dweller but as a stark, prophetic voice calling people to repentance. This marks the essential prelude to Jesus' public ministry, introducing the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
"In those days" signals a significant time jump, placing John the Baptist's ministry years after Jesus' childhood in Nazareth. John emerges in the remote Judean wilderness, not as a city dweller but as a stark, prophetic voice calling people to repentance. This marks the essential prelude to Jesus' public ministry, introducing the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah.
"In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:…" — The verse highlights that John's "preaching" (a public proclamation, like a herald's announcement) took place in the "wilderness," which wasn't a desolate wasteland but an uncultivated, sparsely popu…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026