Devine Scripture

Matthew 16:14

What does Matthew 16:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 16:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 16:14 means

The disciples relay the popular opinions about Jesus' identity, indicating that people held various, yet incomplete, understandings. Some believed Him to be John the Baptist, perhaps resurrected; others thought He was Elijah, expected to return before the Messiah; and still others suggested Jeremiah or another prophet. These responses reveal that while people recognized Jesus as a significant spiritual figure, they generally failed to grasp His unique identity as the Son of God and the Christ.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they said, Some say John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And they said, Some say, John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they said, `Some, John the Baptist, and others, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And they said, Some, John the baptist; and others, Elias; and others again, Jeremias or one of the prophets.

Context

This verse provides the public's various perceptions of Jesus, directly answering His initial question. These diverse but ultimately insufficient answers set up Jesus' subsequent, more personal question to His disciples, compelling them to articulate their own understanding. This contrast between public opinion and true revelation is crucial for Peter's forthcoming confession.

v.13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

v.14This passage

v.15He saith unto them, But who say ye that I am?

Cross references

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

  • John 7:40

    Some of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, This is of a truth the prophet.

  • John 7:12

    And there was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning him: some said, He is a good man; others said, Not so, but he leadeth the multitude astray.

  • Luke 9:8

    and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

  • Luke 9:18

    And it came to pass, as he was praying apart, the disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Who do the multitudes say that I am?

  • Malachi 4:5

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

  • Mark 6:15

    But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets.

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