What does Matthew 11:9 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 11:9 pertains to Jesus Christ speaking to the crowds about John the Baptist.

In the preceding verses, Jesus poses a series of rhetorical questions to the crowd about their expectations when they went to see John.

This particular verse, "But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet," emphasizes that John the Baptist was not merely a prophet, but someone of even greater significance.

Jesus confirms that John is a prophet and then he amplifies the importance of John by stating that he is "more than a prophet." This suggests a deeper role that John holds within God's plan, alluding to John's role as the forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah, Jesus Himself.

Historical Context

The Book of Matthew is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament, written to a primarily Jewish audience, with a focus on proving that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Matthew 11 falls into the middle of Jesus' ministry, after John the Baptist had been imprisoned by Herod Antipas.

John sent messengers to Jesus, querying if He was the one who was to come, indicating John’s own moment of doubt while imprisoned.

In response, Jesus comments on the expectations people had of John when they went into the wilderness to see him.

The cultural expectation of a prophet was one who was divinely inspired to deliver messages from God, and many Jews were anticipating the coming of a prophet like Elijah before the arrival of the Messiah.

Theological Insights

In Christian theology, this verse is indicative of John's unique mission.

As "more than a prophet," John is seen as the herald of the Messianic age.

Theological interpretations suggest that while prophets spoke of the coming Messiah, John actually lived to see and announce Him, baptizing Jesus, and thus directly participating in the unveiling of the Messianic era.

Some theological perspectives may further argue that the verse underscores the transition from the age of prophesy, represented by John, to the age of fulfillment in Jesus.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Matthew 11:9 can prompt individuals to go beyond initial perceptions and to recognize and honour the roles people play in God's plan.

In practical terms, it reminds believers to value and respect the messengers and teachings that prepare them for deeper spiritual truths.

On a personal level, this verse might encourage introspection about the expectations one has when seeking spiritual or religious experience, urging a deeper search for meaning beyond the surface.

Cross-References

• Malachi 3:1: "Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts."
• Luke 7:26: "But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet."
• Isaiah 40:3: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God."
• Matthew 17:11-13: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed.

Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them."

• John 1:23: "He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of this passage is "προφήτης...και περισσότερον προφήτου" which translates to "a prophet and more than a prophet." The term "προφήτης" (prophētēs) means "prophet," which is a spokesperson for God.

The word "περισσότερον" (perissoteron) is the comparative form of "περισσός" (perissos), which means "more" or "greater," implying a superior status or function.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various cultures, the role of a forerunner or harbinger is significant, and many myths include figures who play a role in preparing for a major event or person.

In religious interpretations, such figures are often seen as holy messengers with a divine purpose, such as the role played by Krishna in Hinduism, who also heralds the arrival of higher knowledge.

However, unique to Judeo-Christian belief is the specificity of John the Baptist's role in prophetic fulfillment and his direct association with the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

There is typically limited potential to interpret biblical verses like Matthew 11:9 from a scientific perspective since the verse deals primarily with religious roles and expectations.

However, in studying the historical and archaeological context, research could provide evidence of the settings, cultures, and events that the Bible mentions, allowing for a more informed understanding of the scriptural narratives.

Commentaries

Commentators offer varied insights on Matthew 11:9.

Many agree on John the Baptist’s pivotal role as the forerunner to Jesus.

John Calvin comments on Jesus' commendation of John, stating that Christ aimed to "raise the minds of the people to the expectation of some extraordinary event, that they might prepare themselves with greater earnestness for receiving the doctrine of the gospel." The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes the Jewish expectation of 'Elijah' as a prophet before the Messiah and explains how Jesus is re-establishing John's identity and importance in salvation history after his moment of doubt.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the greater work of John as a converter of sinners and his relationship to the kingdom of heaven.