Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:10

What does Matthew 11:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:10 means

Jesus identified John the Baptist as the messenger prophesied in Malachi 3:1, who would be sent before the Messiah to prepare His way. This direct application of Old Testament prophecy confirms John’s unique and pivotal role in salvation history. John was not merely a prophet who spoke about the future, but the specific, divinely appointed forerunner whose ministry directly paved the way for Jesus' public work. This makes John the final prophet of the old covenant, anticipating the new.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for this is he of whom it hath been written, Lo, I do send My messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my angel before my face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

this is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee.

Context

This verse provides the scriptural basis for Jesus' assertion that John is "much more than a prophet." By quoting Malachi 3:1, Jesus directly links John to prophesied events concerning the Messiah's coming. This Old Testament reference is crucial for understanding John's significance and the divine plan unfolding through his ministry, validating his role as the forerunner.

v.9But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

v.10This passage

v.11Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Cross references

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

  • Mark 1:2

    Even as it is written in Isaiah the prophet, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way;

  • Luke 7:26

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

  • Matthew 3:3

    For this is he that was spoken of through Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ye ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight.

  • Malachi 3:1

    Behold, I send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire, behold, he cometh, saith Jehovah of hosts.

  • Isaiah 40:3

    The voice of one that crieth, Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of Jehovah; make level in the desert a highway for our God.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Jehovah come.

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