Bible Strands
Matthew 11:9
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses a crowd that traveled to the wilderness to see John the Baptist, following his rhetorical question about fine clothing in Matthew 11:8. He speaks to them about John’s identity and function at the transition between the old covenant era and the coming kingdom.
The words — ἀλλὰ (alla) translates literally as "but," while προφήτην (prophētēn) means "a prophet." Jesus uses these terms to pivot from the crowd’s baseline expectation to a higher reality regarding John’s role.
The thread — The passage directly references the messenger prophecy quoted in Matthew 11:10 and aligns with John’s prophetic designation in Luke 1:76 and Matthew 14:5. It also intersects with the Elijah typology in Matthew 17:12 concerning unrecognized prophetic fulfillment.
Why it lands — The text states that John is a prophet and explicitly adds that he is "more than a prophet." It requires the reader to acknowledge a unique, preparatory office that exceeds standard prophetic categories without offering comfort or devotional application.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
Cross-references
- Luke 1:76 And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,
- Matthew 14:5 Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
- Matthew 17:12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”
- Matthew 21:24 “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
- Mark 9:11 And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
- Luke 1:15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb.
- Matthew 11:13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.