FocusRecognizing the coming one
Connection to the wholeJesus answers through His works and interprets John's place, exposing the generation's resistance to both ministries.
interpretation Matthew 11:9
KJVBut what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
Read it in context
John's question and witness
Start reading at Matthew 11:1 (Matthew 11:1 to Matthew 11:19).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus answers through His works and interprets John's place, exposing the generation's resistance to both ministries.
- 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
- 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
- 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
- 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
- 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
- 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
- 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
- 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
- 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
- 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
- 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
- 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
- 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
- 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
- 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 11:1–11:30): John's messengers question Jesus; Jesus then addresses the crowds about John, rebukes unrepentant cities, and issues His invitation to the weary. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? John's question and witness. Read Matthew 11:1 through Matthew 11:19 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus answers through His works and interprets John's place, exposing the generation's resistance to both ministries. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in John's question and witness (Matthew 11:1 to Matthew 11:19). Start reading at Matthew 11:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 11:1, Matthew 11:19, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment
The notes distinguish explicit fulfillment statements from other explicit New Testament applications. They do not assume every detail of the surrounding prophecy has already been fulfilled.
The messenger before the Lord
NT explicitly applies this passage
- Old Testament: Malachi 3:1
- New Testament: Matthew 11:7–10 (current passage)
- New Testament: Mark 1:1–4
- New Testament: Luke 7:24–27
Jesus' words in Matthew and Luke identify John as the messenger. Mark places messenger language alongside Isaiah's wilderness passage.
Related passages
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 11
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Cities called to account
Matthew 11:20–24FocusPrivilege and repentance
Connection to the wholeWarnings to unrepentant cities show that witnessing mighty works brings responsibility, not automatic acceptance with God.
interpretation Revelation and rest
Matthew 11:25–30FocusComing to Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe chapter turns from resistance to revelation and invitation, joining rest with taking Jesus' yoke and learning from Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.