Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Others said, “He is Elijah.” And still others claimed, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.” New Living Translation Others said, “He’s the prophet Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet like the other great prophets of the past.” English Standard Version But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Berean Standard Bible Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Berean Literal Bible But others were saying, "He is Elijah," and others were saying, "A prophet, like one of the prophets." King James Bible Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. New King James Version Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” New American Standard Bible But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” NASB 1995 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” NASB 1977 But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Legacy Standard Bible But others were saying, “He is Elijah.” And others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Amplified Bible But others were saying, “He is Elijah!” And others were saying, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets [of old].” Christian Standard Bible But others said, “He’s Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet, like one of the prophets from long ago.” Holman Christian Standard Bible But others said, “He’s Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet—like one of the prophets.” American Standard Version But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets. Contemporary English Version Others thought he was Elijah or some other prophet who had lived long ago. English Revised Version But others said, It is Elijah. And others said, It is a prophet, even as one of the prophets. GOD'S WORD® Translation Others said, "He is Elijah." Still others said, "He is a prophet like one of the other prophets." Good News Translation Others, however, said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." International Standard Version Others were saying, "He is Elijah." Still others were saying, "He is a prophet like one of the other prophets." NET Bible Others said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past." New Heart English Bible But others said, "He is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets." Webster's Bible Translation Others said, That it is Elijah. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. Weymouth New Testament Others asserted that He was Elijah. Others again said, "He is a Prophet, like one of the great Prophets." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOthers were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” World English Bible But others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionOthers said, “It is Elijah,” and others said, “It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.” Berean Literal Bible But others were saying, "He is Elijah," and others were saying, "A prophet, like one of the prophets." Young's Literal Translation Others said -- 'It is Elijah,' and others said -- 'It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.' Smith's Literal Translation Others amid, That he is Elias. And others said, That he is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd others said: It is Elias. But others said: It is a prophet, as one of the prophets. Catholic Public Domain Version But others were saying, “Because it is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “Because he is a prophet, like one of the prophets.” New American Bible Others were saying, “He is Elijah”; still others, “He is a prophet like any of the prophets.” New Revised Standard Version But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOthers said, He is Elijah. And yet others, He is a prophet, just like one of the prophets. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Others were saying, “He is Elijah”, and others, “He is a Prophet like one of The Prophets.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentOthers said: He is Elijah. Others said: He is a prophet like one of the prophets. Godbey New Testament And others continued to say, That He is Elijah; and others continued to say that He is a prophet, indeed one of the prophets. Haweis New Testament Others said, That it is Elias; and others said, He is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. Mace New Testament others said, 'tis Elias, others, 'tis a prophet, or one equal to a prophet. Weymouth New Testament Others asserted that He was Elijah. Others again said, "He is a Prophet, like one of the great Prophets." Worrell New Testament But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, or as one of the prophets." Worsley New Testament Others said, it is Elias: and others said, it is a prophet, or like one of the prophets. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Beheading of John14Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!”… Cross References Matthew 16:14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Luke 9:19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.” Matthew 14:2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” Luke 9:7-8 When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. John 1:21 “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Matthew 11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:15 When the sons of the prophets who were watching him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. Matthew 17:10-13 The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. / 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.” ... John 1:25 asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” Deuteronomy 18:15 The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to him. Deuteronomy 18:18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. John 6:14 When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” John 7:40 On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.” Treasury of Scripture Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets. it is Elias. Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. Mark 9:12,13 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought… Mark 15:35,36 And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias… Elijah. Matthew 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Matthew 17:10,11 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? … Luke 1:17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. a prophet. Matthew 21:11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. Luke 7:16,39 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people… John 6:14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. Jump to Previous Ago Asserted Claimed Elias Elijah Eli'jah Great Others Prophet ProphetsJump to Next Ago Asserted Claimed Elias Elijah Eli'jah Great Others Prophet ProphetsMark 6 1. Jesus is a prophet without honor in his own country.7. He gives the twelve power over unclean spirits. 14. Various opinions of Jesus. 16. John the Baptist is imprisoned, beheaded, and buried. 30. The apostles return from preaching. 34. The miracle of five loaves and two fishes. 45. Jesus walks on the sea; 53. and heals all who touch him. Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” In Jewish tradition, Elijah was a significant prophetic figure who did not experience death but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). This led to the expectation that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah, as prophesied in Malachi 4:5-6. The people’s speculation that Jesus might be Elijah reflects their anticipation of messianic fulfillment and their recognition of Jesus' powerful ministry. Elijah was known for his miracles and confrontation with idolatry, which parallels Jesus' miraculous works and His challenge to the religious leaders of His time. and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” Persons / Places / Events 1. ElijahA major prophet in the Old Testament known for his powerful miracles and confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, and many Jews believed he would return before the coming of the Messiah. 2. Prophets of Old Refers to the prophets from the Old Testament who were God's messengers, delivering His word to the people of Israel. They were often known for their boldness and miraculous signs. 3. Jesus Although not directly mentioned in this verse, the context is about the identity of Jesus and how people were trying to understand who He was by comparing Him to well-known figures from their religious history. 4. Herod Antipas The ruler of Galilee and Perea during the time of Jesus, who is trying to understand the identity of Jesus amidst various rumors. 5. John the Baptist Earlier in the chapter, Herod fears that Jesus might be John the Baptist resurrected, which is part of the confusion about Jesus' identity. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' IdentityThe confusion about Jesus' identity highlights the importance of understanding who Jesus truly is. He is more than a prophet; He is the Son of God. Prophetic Fulfillment Jesus fulfills the Old Testament prophecies, and understanding these connections deepens our faith and appreciation for God's redemptive plan. The Role of Prophets Prophets were God's messengers, and their role was to point people back to God. Jesus, as the ultimate prophet, calls us to repentance and faith. Expectations vs. Reality People had various expectations of who the Messiah would be. We must align our expectations with the truth of Scripture rather than cultural or personal assumptions. Witnessing to Others Just as people in Jesus' time were curious about His identity, we have the opportunity to share the truth of who Jesus is with those around us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Mark 6:15?2. How does Mark 6:15 reflect people's confusion about Jesus' true identity? 3. What Old Testament prophecies might people have connected to Jesus in Mark 6:15? 4. How can we discern truth from speculation about Jesus today? 5. Why is understanding Jesus' identity crucial for our faith and witness? 6. How can Mark 6:15 guide us in addressing misconceptions about Jesus? 7. How does Mark 6:15 challenge the identity of Jesus as perceived by different groups? 8. Why do some people in Mark 6:15 think Jesus is Elijah? 9. What historical context explains the confusion about Jesus' identity in Mark 6:15? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Mark 6? 11. What is the significance of His resurrection's power? 12. In 2 Kings 1:13-17, why does God suddenly relent upon the third captain's approach, and does this shift in response align with consistent divine attributes elsewhere in the Bible? 13. Did Herod think that Jesus was John the Baptist? Yes (Matthew 14:2; Mark 6:16) No (Luke 9:9) 14. How can we live fully in Christ's teachings? What Does Mark 6:15 Mean Others were saying, “He is Elijah,”• The crowd was leaning on Malachi 4:5-6, a promise that Elijah would reappear before “the great and awesome day of the LORD.” Jesus’ miracle power—raising the dead (Mark 5:41-42), multiplying food (Mark 6:41-44)—echoed Elijah’s works in 1 Kings 17 and 2 Kings 1, so it felt logical to identify Him with that fiery prophet. • Similar speculation surfaces in Matthew 16:14 and Luke 9:8, showing it wasn’t isolated to Herod’s court. • John 1:21 records priests questioning John the Baptist with the same idea, revealing how strong the national expectation was. • Ironically, Jesus later clarifies that John himself fulfilled the “Elijah” role in spirit and power (Mark 9:11-13; Luke 1:17), while He, Jesus, is far more than a returning prophet—He is the promised Messiah, God in the flesh. and still others, • This brief phrase highlights the swirl of opinions. People tried to fit Jesus into familiar categories instead of bowing to His unique authority. • Mark 8:27-28 shows even the disciples reporting multiple theories: John the Baptist, Elijah, or “one of the prophets.” • John 7:12, 43 chronicles similar division—some calling Him “good,” others “a deceiver.” The competing voices underscore spiritual blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14). • The gospel writers record these debates to contrast human conjecture with the Father’s clear declaration at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration: “You are My beloved Son” (Mark 1:11; 9:7). “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” • Many were willing to grant Jesus prophetic status—like Samuel, Isaiah, or Jeremiah—but stopped short of confessing Him as Lord. • Passages such as Deuteronomy 18:15 and Acts 3:22 speak of a coming Prophet greater than Moses. While Jesus indeed fulfills that promise, the crowd’s comparison still fell short because they saw Him as merely another voice, not the climax of revelation (Hebrews 1:1-2). • Reactions in Luke 7:16 (“A great prophet has appeared among us!”) and John 6:14 show this respectful yet inadequate conclusion. Respect is not the same as saving faith (John 5:39-40). • By labelling Jesus “like one of the prophets of old,” they missed His deity and messianic kingship foretold in Isaiah 9:6-7 and Psalm 2. summary Mark 6:15 captures the range of public opinions about Jesus—some saw Elijah returned, others a generic prophet—but every guess underestimated Him. The verse reveals human attempts to explain Christ without surrendering to His true identity. Scripture affirms that Jesus is infinitely more than Elijah or any prophet; He is the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, whose words and works demand faith, not mere speculation. Greek Othersἄλλοι (alloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. said, ἔλεγον (elegon) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “He is ἐστίν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. Elijah,” Ἠλίας (Ēlias) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2243: Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite. and δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. still others, ἄλλοι (alloi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 243: Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. “[He is] a prophet, Προφήτης (Prophētēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. like ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. one εἷς (heis) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1520: One. (including the neuter Hen); a primary numeral; one. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prophets [of old].” προφητῶν (prophētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 4396: From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. Links Mark 6:15 NIVMark 6:15 NLT Mark 6:15 ESV Mark 6:15 NASB Mark 6:15 KJV Mark 6:15 BibleApps.com Mark 6:15 Biblia Paralela Mark 6:15 Chinese Bible Mark 6:15 French Bible Mark 6:15 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Mark 6:15 But others said He is Elijah (Mar Mk Mr) |
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