Devine Scripture

Luke 7:26

What does Luke 7:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 7:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 7:26 means

Jesus then posed the culminating question: 'But what went ye out to see? a prophet?' He emphatically answered His own question, declaring, 'Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.' This statement elevates John beyond a mere prophet, recognizing his unique and pivotal role in preparing the way for the Messiah, a distinction that sets him apart from all previous prophetic figures.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But what did you go out to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But what have ye gone forth to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But what went you out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and [what is] more excellent than a prophet.

Context

This verse is the climax of Jesus' rhetorical questions about John, revealing John's extraordinary status. It directly follows the dismissal of John as a worldly or soft figure, now firmly establishing him in the minds of the audience as a prophet of unparalleled significance, beyond common understanding.

v.25But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.

v.26This passage

v.27This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 5:35

    He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light.

  • John 3:26

    And they came unto John, and said to him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou hast borne witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

  • Luke 1:76

    Yea and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways;

  • Luke 20:6

    But if we shall say, From men; all the people will stone us: for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.

  • Matthew 11:9

    But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

  • Luke 16:16

    The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.

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