Luke 7:26
New International Version
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

New Living Translation
Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.

English Standard Version
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Berean Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Berean Literal Bible
But what have you gone out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one more excellent than a prophet.

King James Bible
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

New King James Version
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

New American Standard Bible
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

NASB 1995
“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet.

NASB 1977
“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet.

Legacy Standard Bible
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and even more than a prophet.

Amplified Bible
But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one far more [eminent and remarkable] than a prophet [who foretells the future].

Christian Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.

American Standard Version
But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Contemporary English Version
What then did you go out to see? Was he a prophet? He certainly was! I tell you that he was more than a prophet.

English Revised Version
But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet.

Good News Translation
Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet.

International Standard Version
Really, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and even more than a prophet!

Majority Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

NET Bible
What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

New Heart English Bible
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

Webster's Bible Translation
But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

Weymouth New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Aye, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet.

World English Bible
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But what have you gone forth to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet:

Berean Literal Bible
But what have you gone out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one more excellent than a prophet.

Young's Literal Translation
'But what have ye gone forth to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet:

Smith's Literal Translation
But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say to you, superior to a prophet.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But what went you out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Certainly, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

New American Bible
Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

New Revised Standard Version
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And if not so, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a Prophet.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

Godbey New Testament
But what went you out to see? a prophet? Yea, and I say unto you even more than a prophet.

Haweis New Testament
But what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

Mace New Testament
what then did you go to see? a prophet? yes, I say it, and more than a prophet.

Weymouth New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Aye, I tell you, and far more than a Prophet.

Worrell New Testament
But what went ye forth to see? a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

Worsley New Testament
a prophet? yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Testifies about John
25Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’…

Cross References
Matthew 11:9
What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 3:3
This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Isaiah 40:3
A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

John 1:23
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Matthew 14:5
Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

Mark 1:2-3
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

John 5:35
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.

Matthew 21:26
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”

Mark 11:32
But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet.

Matthew 17:12-13
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.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

John 1:6-8
There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

2 Kings 1:8
“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.

Zechariah 13:4
And on that day every prophet who prophesies will be ashamed of his vision, and he will not put on a hairy cloak in order to deceive.

Matthew 3:11
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.


Treasury of Scripture

But what went you out for to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

A prophet.

Luke 1:76
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

Luke 20:6
But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet.

and.

Luke 16:16
The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

See on

Matthew 11:9-14
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet…

John 3:26
And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

John 5:35
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

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Luke 7
1. Jesus finds a greater faith in the centurion;
10. heals his servant, being absent;
11. raises from death the widow's son at Nain;
18. answers John's messengers with the declaration of his miracles;
24. testifies to the people what opinion he held of John;
31. compares this generation to the children in the marketplaces,
36. and allowing his feet to be washed and anointed by a woman who was a sinner,
44. he shows how he is a friend to sinners, to forgive them their sins, upon their repentance.














But what did you go out to see?
This phrase challenges the audience to reflect on their intentions and expectations. The Greek word for "see" (ἰδεῖν, idein) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests understanding or perceiving. Jesus is prompting the crowd to consider the deeper significance of their actions and the person they went to witness. This introspective question encourages believers to examine their own motivations in seeking spiritual truth and guidance.

A prophet?
The term "prophet" (προφήτης, prophētēs) in the Jewish tradition refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God, often delivering messages of warning, hope, or instruction. Prophets were revered figures in Israel's history, seen as God's mouthpieces. By asking if they went to see a prophet, Jesus acknowledges John the Baptist's role in this esteemed line, affirming his divine mission and authority.

Yes, I tell you
This affirmation by Jesus underscores the certainty and importance of His statement. The Greek word for "yes" (ναί, nai) is a strong affirmation, emphasizing the truth of what follows. Jesus is not merely offering an opinion but is declaring a divine truth. This assurance from Christ invites believers to trust in His words and the revelations He provides.

and more than a prophet
Here, Jesus elevates John the Baptist's status beyond that of a traditional prophet. The phrase "more than" (περισσότερον, perissoteron) suggests an additional, greater role. John is not only a prophet but also the forerunner of the Messiah, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 3:1. This distinction highlights the unique and pivotal role John plays in God's redemptive plan, preparing the way for Jesus. It serves as a reminder of the unfolding of God's promises and the significance of each individual's role in His divine narrative.

Verse 26. - But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet. The great Teacher proceeds in his discourse. From the scene and the surroundings - the reeds of the banks of Jordan - he went on to speak of the great Jordan preacher, so unlike, in spite of this one weak wavering hour, the reeds in the midst of which he preached. Jesus thus painted the grave, austere man, first in his stern enmity to the seductive magnificence of a court-life, then in his severe austerity as regards himself. Who, then, was he - this preacher to whom the people had resorted in such crowds to see and hear? Was he a prophet? was he one more of those men who in past ages had been the salt which preserved Israel from decay? Yes; that is what he was, that true great one - a prophet in the deepest, truest sense of the word. Ah! higher still, went on the Teacher, John was much more than a prophet. What then? and the by-standers marvelled; what more could he be? Was he, peradventure, the Messiah?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
Ἀλλὰ (Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

what
τί (ti)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

did you go out
ἐξήλθατε (exēlthate)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.

to see?
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

A prophet?
προφήτην (prophētēn)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.

Yes,
ναί (nai)
Particle
Strong's 3483: Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes.

I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

more
περισσότερον (perissoteron)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4053: From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.

than a prophet.
προφήτου (prophētou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.


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