Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:3

What does Matthew 11:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:3 means

John's disciples, acting on his behalf, directly questioned Jesus, asking if he was the long-awaited Messiah (the one who comes), or if they should continue to expect another deliverer. This candid question from John, though in prison, reveals the deep longing and expectation for the Messiah within Israel. It also hints at the precise nature of John's understanding of the Messiah's role, possibly expecting a more immediate, politically transformative kingdom rather than the suffering servant aspect Jesus embodies.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

To say to him, Are you he who is to come, or are we waiting for another?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

said to him, `Art thou He who is coming, or for another do we look?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Art thou he that art to come, or look we for another?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and said to him, Art thou the coming [one]? or are we to wait for another?

Context

This verse presents the direct question from John the Baptist's disciples to Jesus, building on the previous verse where John sent them. This question is the dramatic focal point, demanding a direct answer from Jesus and establishing the primary theological tension that Jesus will address in the subsequent verses.

v.2Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

v.3This passage

v.4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see:

Cross references

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

  • John 7:41

    Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, What, doth the Christ come out of Galilee?

  • Amos 9:11

    In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;

  • Genesis 3:15

    and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

  • Hebrews 10:37

    For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry.

  • Obadiah 1:21

    And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be Jehovah’s.

  • Matthew 2:2

    Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

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