JMNT(i)
1 Now in those days [i.e., years later, when Jesus would have come to be known as a Nazarene],
John, the Immerser (or: Baptist; the one who immerses),
is repeatedly coming to be at the side, progressively birthing himself (= making an appearance)
in the midst of the wilderness (within the uninhabited area; in the desert)
of the Judean [
district]
, continually making public proclamation as a herald,
2 habitually saying, "You folks be continuously and progressively changing your thinking – change your perceptions, attitudes, frame of mind, mode of thought and understanding, and turn back [
toward God]
, because the reign of the heavens (the expression and effect of kingdom rule which has its source in the atmospheres; the activity of exercising the sovereignty which exists being the heavens; the reigning [of the King] which pertains to the heavens; the kingdom which belongs to and comes from the atmosphere; the influence of the sovereignty which is the heavens)
has approached and is now near at hand and is close enough to touch (= has arrived and is now accessible)!
"
3 You see, this is the man being spoken [
of?]
(or: this is the one [= declaration, or, prophecy] being spoken)
through Isaiah the prophet, continuing in saying, "A voice! One repeatedly crying out (shouting; exulting; exclaiming; imploring):
'Within the midst of the wilderness (desert; desolate place; abandoned and uninhabited region)
you folks prepare and make ready the road of [
the]
Lord (or: the path whose source is [Yahweh]; the Way whose character is that of, and which pertains to, [the] Owner [= Yahweh])!
Be progressively constructing (making)
His highway (thoroughfare)
well-placed and straight.'" [
Isa. 40:3] (or: "A sound! One is continuously crying out within the midst of the desert: ... ")