3 In those days John+ the Baptist came preaching+ in the wilderness of Ju·deʹa,

3 This, in fact, is the one spoken of through Isaiah+ the prophet+ in these words: “A voice of one calling out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of Jehovah! Make his roads straight.’”+

2 Just as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “(Look! I am sending my messenger ahead of you,* who will prepare your way.)+ 3 A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of Jehovah! Make his roads straight.’”+ 4 John the Baptizer was in the wilderness, preaching baptism in symbol of repentance for forgiveness of sins.+

3 So he went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching baptism in symbol of repentance for forgiveness of sins,+ 4 just as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of Jehovah! Make his roads straight.+ 5 Every valley must be filled up, and every mountain and hill leveled; the crooked ways must become straight, and the rough ways smooth; 6 and all flesh* will see the salvation of God.’”*+

23 He said: “I am a voice of someone crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make the way of Jehovah straight,’+ just as Isaiah the prophet said.”+