Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. New Living Translation And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. English Standard Version and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Berean Standard Bible And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Berean Literal Bible And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah, the one being about to come. King James Bible And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. New King James Version And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. New American Standard Bible And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. NASB 1995 “And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. NASB 1977 “And if you care to accept it, he himself is Elijah, who was to come. Legacy Standard Bible And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. Amplified Bible And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is [the fulfillment of] Elijah [as the messenger] who was to come [before the kingdom]. Christian Standard Bible And if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. Holman Christian Standard Bible if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come. American Standard Version And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come. Contemporary English Version And if you believe them, John is Elijah, the prophet you are waiting for. English Revised Version And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come. GOD'S WORD® Translation If you are willing to accept their message, John is the Elijah who was to come. Good News Translation and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted. International Standard Version If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. NET Bible And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, who is to come. New Heart English Bible And if you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. Webster's Bible Translation And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah who was to come. Weymouth New Testament And (if you are willing to receive it) Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. World English Bible If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand if you are willing to receive [it], he is Elijah who was about to come; Berean Literal Bible And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah, the one being about to come. Young's Literal Translation and if ye are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who was about to come; Smith's Literal Translation And if ye will receive, this is Elias he about to come. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd if you will receive it, he is Elias that is to come. Catholic Public Domain Version And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah, who is to come. New American Bible And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. New Revised Standard Version and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd if you wish, accept it, that he is Elijah who was to come. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And if you will, he is Elijah who was to come. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah that was to come. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament And if ye will receive it, this is Elias who was to come. Mace New Testament and if ye will believe me, he is the Elias that was to come. Weymouth New Testament And (if you are willing to receive it) Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Testifies about John…13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15He who has ears, let him hear.… Cross References Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. 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 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.” ... Mark 9:11-13 And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? / But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.” Luke 1:17 And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 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 3:1-3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / 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. Luke 7:27 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Matthew 21:25-26 What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ / But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.” John 5:33-35 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. Matthew 14:1-2 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / 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.” Matthew 16:14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 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. Matthew 9:14 Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” Treasury of Scripture And if you will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. if. Ezekiel 2:5 And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them. Ezekiel 3:10,11 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears… John 16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. this. Matthew 17:10-13 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? … Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: Mark 9:11-13 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? … Jump to Previous Able Accept Elias Elijah Eli'jah John Receive WillingJump to Next Able Accept Elias Elijah Eli'jah John Receive WillingMatthew 11 1. John sends his disciples to Jesus.7. Jesus' testimony concerning John. 16. The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son. 20. Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum; 25. and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple, 28. he calls to him those who are weary and burdened. And if you are willing to accept it This phrase suggests a conditional acceptance, indicating that the truth being presented requires a willingness to understand and believe. It implies that the message may be difficult for some to accept due to preconceived notions or expectations. This reflects the broader theme in the Gospels where Jesus often speaks in parables and teachings that require spiritual insight and openness (Matthew 13:10-17). The call to be "willing" underscores the importance of faith and openness to divine revelation. he is the Elijah who was to come Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing the crowd about John the Baptist's role in God's plan. 2. John the Baptist Referred to as "the Elijah who was to come," John is a pivotal figure in preparing the way for Jesus. 3. Elijah A prophet from the Old Testament, known for his powerful ministry and expected to return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord" (Malachi 4:5). 4. The Crowd The audience Jesus is speaking to, which includes His disciples and others who are following Him. 5. The Kingdom of Heaven The overarching theme of Jesus' ministry, which John the Baptist heralded. Teaching Points Understanding Prophecy FulfillmentJesus identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah. This teaches us to recognize how God fulfills His promises in ways that may not always align with human expectations. The Role of Forerunners Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare the way for others to encounter Christ. This involves living a life that reflects His teachings and sharing the Gospel. Willingness to Accept Truth Jesus says, "if you are willing to accept it," highlighting the importance of being open to God's revelations. We must be willing to accept and act upon the truths God reveals to us. The Spirit and Power of Elijah John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, emphasizing the importance of spiritual empowerment in fulfilling God's mission. We should seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Matthew 11:14?2. How does Matthew 11:14 affirm John the Baptist's role as Elijah? 3. Why is recognizing John as Elijah important for understanding Jesus' mission? 4. How does Malachi 4:5-6 connect with Matthew 11:14 about Elijah's return? 5. What actions can we take to prepare for Christ, as John prepared the way? 6. How does accepting John as Elijah impact our view of prophecy fulfillment? 7. How does Matthew 11:14 identify John the Baptist as Elijah? 8. Why is Elijah's return significant in Matthew 11:14? 9. Does Matthew 11:14 challenge the belief in reincarnation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 11? 11. In Matthew 11:14, Jesus identifies John as Elijah, but John 1:21 records John denying this. Is that a contradiction? 12. If Elijah is supposed to return (Malachi 4:5), why does the New Testament imply John the Baptist’s role was that of Elijah, yet he denies being Elijah in John 1:21? 13. Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come? Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13) No (John 1:19-21) 14. Was John the Baptist Elijah? (Matthew 11:14 vs. John 1:21) What Does Matthew 11:14 Mean AndJesus has just praised John the Baptist and underscored his prophetic significance. The little word “and” ties verse 14 to that flow of thought, linking John with the entire sweep of redemptive history. • Matthew 11:13: “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.” This shows that John stands at the hinge between promise and fulfillment. • Mark 1:2-3 quotes Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 together, confirming that John’s ministry was foreseen centuries earlier. • Luke 7:26-27 records Jesus applying Malachi 3:1 to John, reinforcing the unbroken line of prophecy that verse 14 now summarizes. if you are willing to accept it, Jesus places a gracious but firm condition on understanding: spiritual receptivity. • Matthew 11:15: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Acceptance is not merely intellectual but faith-driven. • John 3:27 makes clear that “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven,” reminding listeners that recognition of John’s role is a gift to be embraced, not debated. Practical take-away: – Revelation requires a yielded heart. – God does not force truth; He invites us to welcome it. he is the Elijah Here Jesus identifies John the Baptist with the promised forerunner. • Luke 1:16-17: the angel foretold that John would “go on before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah.” • Matthew 17:10-13 clarifies that John fulfilled the Elijah prophecy, though many missed it. Points of correspondence: – Appearance: 2 Kings 1:8 describes Elijah’s rough garment; Mark 1:6 pictures John dressed similarly. – Message: Elijah called Israel to repentance (1 Kings 18:21); John’s core cry was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2). – Confrontation of authority: Elijah stood before Ahab; John stood before Herod (Mark 6:17-18). who was to come. This phrase anchors the identification in prophecy. • Malachi 4:5-6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.” • Malachi 3:1 combines the roles of messenger and covenant forerunner, both realized in John. Why this matters: – It proves God keeps His word precisely. – It establishes that the “great and awesome day” begins with Christ’s first advent, yet awaits final completion, leaving room for ongoing expectation (cf. Revelation 22:20). – It heightens the authority of John’s testimony about Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), compelling listeners to heed Christ Himself. summary Matthew 11:14 reveals Jesus’ evaluation of John the Baptist: the promised Elijah-figure has already appeared, fulfilling Malachi’s words and marking the transition from prophetic anticipation to messianic fulfillment. Acceptance of this truth hinges on a receptive heart, and recognizing John’s role validates Jesus’ identity and mission. The verse showcases God’s faithfulness, invites humble belief, and urges readiness for the culmination of His redemptive plan. (14) This is Elias.--The words of Malachi (Malachi 4:5) had led men to expect the reappearance of the great Tishbite in person as the immediate precursor of the Christ. It was the teaching of the scribes then (Matthew 17:10; John 1:21); it has lingered as a tradition of Judaism down to our own time. A vacant chair is placed for Elijah at all great solemnities. Even Christian interpreters have cherished the belief that Elijah will appear in person before the second Advent of the Lord. The true meaning of the words of Malachi had, however, been suggested in the words of the angel in Luke 1:17, "He shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias," and is here distinctly confirmed. The words "if ye will (i.e., are willing to) receive it" imply the consciousness that our Lord was setting aside a popular and strongly-fixed belief: "If you are willing and able to receive the truth that John was in very deed doing the work of Elijah, you need look for no other in the future."Verse 14 - In Matthew only. And if ye will receive it. Our Lord gives the information plainly, but doubts if it will be of any use to them. Will (θέλετε). For the reception of a truth depends upon the attitude of the will In this case to acknowledge John as Elijah would mean to accept the present consequences of that reformation which Elijah was to bring about (Malachi 4:6). But "the human will has a natural disinclination to cultivate and sharpen the conscience in combination with the knowledge of the law, has no desire to look into this mirror, and men as a rule desire to have quite a different picture of themselves from that which conscience shows them" (Marten-sen's 'Christian Ethics,' 1. § 119). It. My statement. Not him, i.e. John, with Revised Version margin. This (αὐτός). He and no other (ch. 1:21). Is Elias. In spiritual work, not in identity of person (John 1:21). (On the Jewish expectation of the return of Elijah, see Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' on Matthew 17:10.) Which was for to come; which is to come (Revised Version). The phrase ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι) is perhaps best understood, not as an independent remark by our Lord about Elijah, but as a current saying, representing the popular expectation of him, and adopted by our Lord, who gave it his own interpretation. It can hardly point also to a yet future coming of the prophet. But compare Bishop Westcott, on John 1:21, and Schurer, II. 2:156.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Andκαὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you are willing θέλετε (thelete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to accept [it], δέξασθαι (dexasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle Strong's 1209: To take, receive, accept, welcome. Middle voice of a primary verb; to receive. he αὐτός (autos) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. is ἐστιν (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. [the] Elijah Ἠλίας (Ēlias) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2243: Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite. who was μέλλων (mellōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3195: A strengthened form of melo; to intend, i.e. Be about to be, do, or suffer something. to come. ἔρχεσθαι (erchesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 2064: To come, go. Links Matthew 11:14 NIVMatthew 11:14 NLT Matthew 11:14 ESV Matthew 11:14 NASB Matthew 11:14 KJV Matthew 11:14 BibleApps.com Matthew 11:14 Biblia Paralela Matthew 11:14 Chinese Bible Matthew 11:14 French Bible Matthew 11:14 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 11:14 If you are willing to receive it (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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