Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:2

What does Matthew 11:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:2 means

While imprisoned, John the Baptist began to hear reports of the miraculous works Jesus was performing. These powerful deeds, attributed to "the Christ," prompted John to send his disciples to Jesus. John's inquiry, though coming from a recognized prophet, shows a potential crisis of faith or a desire for confirmation from Jesus directly concerning his messianic identity. The emphasis on "the works of the Christ" underscores that Jesus' actions were the primary indicators of his divine mission.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now when John had news in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ: sending two of his disciples he said to him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But John, having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, sent by his disciples,

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' continuation of his preaching ministry. It pivots the narrative to John the Baptist, who is in prison and hears about Jesus' activities. This sets up the central interaction of the chapter: John's direct question to Jesus about his identity, which arises from these reports of Jesus' powerful works.

v.1And it came to pass when Jesus had finished commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities.

v.2This passage

v.3and said unto him, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?

Cross references

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

  • Mark 6:17

    For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.

  • John 4:1

    When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

  • John 3:24

    For John was not yet cast into prison.

  • Acts 19:1

    And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples:

  • Matthew 4:12

    Now when he heard that John was delivered up, he withdrew into Galilee;

  • Matthew 9:14

    Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

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