Devine Scripture

Matthew 11:4

What does Matthew 11:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 11:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 11:4 means

Jesus did not directly answer John's question with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, he instructed John's disciples to return and describe to John the specific miracles they had witnessed and the message they had heard. This method of response directs John to the evidence of Jesus' ministry, allowing the powerful works and the proclamation of the good tidings to the poor to speak for themselves. Jesus' approach emphasizes that his identity as the Messiah is undeniably demonstrated through his actions.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus, answering, said to them, Go and give news to John of the things which you are seeing and hearing:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus answering said to them, `Having gone, declare to John the things that ye hear and see,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus making answer said to them: Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus answering said to them, Go, report to John what ye hear and see.

Context

This verse is Jesus' initial response to John the Baptist's direct inquiry. Rather than offering a theoretical answer, Jesus points to irrefutable, tangible evidence. This move sets up the following verse, where the specific miraculous works will be detailed, providing the concrete proof that John's disciples are to report back.

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

v.4This passage

v.5the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good tidings preached to them.

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