Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
Parallel translations
- WEB Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.
- BSB Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
- NKJV Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
- NASB Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.
- NLT Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The disciples grasp that Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist as the promised Elijah. Understanding dawns about how prophecy is being fulfilled in their own time.
Overview
Matthew notes the disciples' moment of comprehension: the Elijah who must come is John, not a literal return of the prophet. This confirms Jesus' authority to interpret Scripture and shows that the long-awaited preparatory ministry has already occurred. It situates Jesus firmly as the Messiah whose way John had prepared.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 1
- Matt 11:14And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
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Original language
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