Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:13

What does Matthew 11:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:13 means

Jesus clarified that the Law and all the Prophets pointed forward and prophesied until John the Baptist. This statement positions John as the culmination of the Old Testament era, marking a definitive transition point in God's redemptive plan. The long period of prophetic revelation found its fulfillment in John's ministry, which directly announced and prepared the way for the Messiah. After John, the focus shifts from foretelling the coming of Christ to the actual presence and work of Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For all the prophets and the law were in force till John.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for all the prophets and the law till John did prophesy,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For all the prophets and the law have prophesied unto John.

Context

This verse provides a theological explanation for the significance of John the Baptist's ministry as a turning point. It clarifies that John's work marked the end of the prophetic period where the Law and Prophets foretold future events. This statement further underscores John's unique position at the cusp of the old and new covenants, leading into the specific identification of John with Elijah.

v.12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force.

v.13This passage

v.14And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come.

Cross references

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

  • Malachi 4:6

    And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers; lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

  • John 5:46

    For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me.

  • Acts 3:22

    Moses indeed said, A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like unto me; to him shall ye hearken in all things whatsoever he shall speak unto you.

  • Matthew 5:17

    Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.

  • Acts 13:27

    For they that dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

  • Romans 3:21

    But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;

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