Matthew 17:13
New International Version
Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

New Living Translation
Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.

English Standard Version
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Berean Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Berean Literal Bible
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.

King James Bible
Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

New King James Version
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.

New American Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

NASB 1995
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

NASB 1977
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

Amplified Bible
Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

Christian Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist.

American Standard Version
Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Contemporary English Version
Then the disciples understood Jesus was talking to them about John the Baptist.

English Revised Version
Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then the disciples understood that he was talking about John the Baptizer.

Good News Translation
Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.

International Standard Version
Then the disciples understood that he had been speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Majority Standard Bible
Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

NET Bible
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

New Heart English Bible
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.

Weymouth New Testament
Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.

World English Bible
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Immerser.

Berean Literal Bible
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.

Young's Literal Translation
Then understood the disciples that concerning John the Baptist he spake to them.

Smith's Literal Translation
Then understood the disciples that he told them of John the Baptist.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then the disciples understood, that he had spoken to them of John the Baptist.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist.

New American Bible
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

New Revised Standard Version
Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then the disciples understood that what he had told them was about John the Baptist.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them about Yohannan The Baptizer.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Then, the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Immerser.

Godbey New Testament
Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.

Haweis New Testament
Then understood the disciples that he spake to them of John the Baptist.

Mace New Testament
then the disciples perceiv'd, that what he said was meant of John the Baptist.

Weymouth New Testament
Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.

Worrell New Testament
Then the disciples understood that He spake to them concerning John the Immerser.

Worsley New Testament
Then the disciples understood that He spake to them of John the baptist.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Transfiguration
12But 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.” 13Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist. 14When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him.…

Cross References
Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Matthew 11:13-14
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. / And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

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.’”

Matthew 14:1-12
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.” / Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ...

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.

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.

Matthew 16:14
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Matthew 21:11
The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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.’”

Luke 9:7-9
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. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.

Matthew 11:7-10
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. / What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ...

Matthew 17:1-9
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist.

the disciples.

Matthew 11:14
And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

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Matthew 17
1. The transfiguration of Jesus.
14. He heals the boy with a demon,
22. foretells his own passion,
24. and pays tribute.














Then the disciples understood
This phrase indicates a moment of realization and comprehension for the disciples. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples often struggle to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' teachings and actions. This moment of understanding is significant as it shows their growing insight into Jesus' mission and the fulfillment of prophecy. It reflects the gradual unveiling of spiritual truths to those who follow Christ closely.

that He was speaking to them
Jesus often spoke in parables and used symbolic language, which required discernment to understand. Here, the disciples recognize that Jesus is directly addressing them, emphasizing the importance of personal revelation and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to truth. This interaction highlights the intimate teacher-student relationship between Jesus and His disciples.

about John the Baptist.
John the Baptist is identified as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah's return, as mentioned in Malachi 4:5-6. This connection is crucial because it underscores John's role in preparing the way for the Messiah, as foretold in Isaiah 40:3. John’s ministry of repentance and baptism set the stage for Jesus' own ministry. The recognition of John as the "Elijah" who was to come confirms the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure of the New Testament, who is revealing the truth about John the Baptist to His disciples.

2. The Disciples
Followers of Jesus who are learning and growing in their understanding of His teachings and the fulfillment of prophecy.

3. John the Baptist
A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, fulfilling the role of Elijah as prophesied in the Old Testament.

4. Mount of Transfiguration
The event preceding this verse where Jesus is transfigured and Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets.

5. Elijah
An Old Testament prophet whose return was prophesied as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah.
Teaching Points
Understanding Prophecy Fulfillment
Recognize how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, deepening our faith in the reliability of Scripture.

Role of John the Baptist
Appreciate the significance of John the Baptist's ministry as a preparatory work for Christ, emphasizing the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives.

Spiritual Insight and Growth
Like the disciples, we are called to grow in understanding through Jesus' teachings, seeking clarity and wisdom in our walk with God.

The Importance of Revelation
God reveals truths progressively; we must remain open and attentive to His guidance and teaching.

Connection to the Old Testament
Study the Old Testament to see how it points to Christ, enriching our understanding of the New Testament.(13) Then the disciples understood.--The words are suggestive both as indicating the conclusion in which they ultimately rested, and the frankness with which they owned how slowly they had passed from the literalism of the scribes to a true apprehension of the spiritual meaning of the prophecy in question.

Verse 13. - Then the disciples understood. Though Jesus had said publicly concerning John, "This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face," and, "This is Elias which was for to come" (Matthew 11:10, 14); and though the angel Gabriel, in announcing his birth, had avowed that he should "go before the Christ in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luke 1:17), the apostles hitherto had not taken to heart the truth thus conveyed. Indeed, it was something quite new that they should thus at once apprehend Christ's meaning, so slow were they of faith, so unintelligent in appreciating the full signification of their Master's instructions.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Then
τότε (tote)
Adverb
Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.

the
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative 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.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

understood
συνῆκαν (synēkan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4920: To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.

that
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

He was speaking
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

to them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
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.

about
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

John
Ἰωάννου (Iōannou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Baptist.
Βαπτιστοῦ (Baptistou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 910: From baptizo; a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke (Matt. Mat Mt)
Matthew 17:12
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