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Text -- Matthew 11:14 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
11:14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, who is to come.
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Elijah a prophet from the 9th century B.C.,a prophet from Tishbe in Gilead to Israel in King Ahab's time,son of Jeroham of Benjamin,a priest of the Harim clan who put away his heathen wife,a layman of the Bani Elam clan who put away his heathen wife


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Reincarnation | Prophecy | PAPYRUS | Matthew, Gospel according to | John | Jesus, The Christ | JESUS CHRIST, 4C1 | Elijah | Elias | CHRONOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , Clarke , Calvin , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Lightfoot , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes


Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey , Lapide

Other
Contradiction , Critics Ask , Evidence

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Mat 11:14 - -- This is Elijah ( autos estin Eleias ). Jesus here endorses John as the promise of Malachi. The people understood Mal 4:1 to mean the return of Elijah...

This is Elijah ( autos estin Eleias ).

Jesus here endorses John as the promise of Malachi. The people understood Mal 4:1 to mean the return of Elijah in person. This John denied as to himself (Joh 1:21). But Jesus affirms that John is the Elijah of promise who has come already (Mat 17:12). He emphasizes the point: "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."

Vincent: Mat 11:14 - -- If ye will ( εἰ θέλετε ) More correctly, Rev., If ye are willing or disposed. For there would naturally be an unwillingness to re...

If ye will ( εἰ θέλετε )

More correctly, Rev., If ye are willing or disposed. For there would naturally be an unwillingness to receive the statement about John's high place, in view of John's imprisonment.

Wesley: Mat 11:14 - -- Mal 4:5.

Clarke: Mat 11:14 - -- This is Elias, which was for to come - This should always be written Elijah, that as strict a conformity as possible might be kept up between the na...

This is Elias, which was for to come - This should always be written Elijah, that as strict a conformity as possible might be kept up between the names in the Old Testament and the New. The Prophet Malachi, who predicted the coming of the Baptist in the spirit and power of Elijah, gave the three following distinct characteristics of him. First, That he should be the forerunner and messenger of the Messiah: Behold I send my messenger before me, Mal 3:1. Secondly, That he should appear before the destruction of the second temple: Even the Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to his temple, ibid. Thirdly, That he should preach repentance to the Jews; and that, some time after, the great and terrible day of the Lord should come, and the Jewish land be smitten with a curse, Mal 4:5, Mal 4:6. Now these three characters agree perfectly with the conduct of the Baptist, and what shortly followed his preaching, and have not been found in any one else; which is a convincing proof that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

Calvin: Mat 11:14 - -- 14.=== And if you are willing to receive === it He now explains more clearly in what manner John began to preach the kingdom of God It was in the ...

14.=== And if you are willing to receive === it He now explains more clearly in what manner John began to preach the kingdom of God It was in the character of that Elijah, who was to be sent before the face of God, (Mal 4:5.) Our Lord’s meaning therefore is, that the great and dreadful day of the Lord, which Malachi described, is now beheld by the Jews, when Elijah, who was there promised, discharges his office as a herald. Again, by this exception, if you are willing to receive it, he glances at their hardened obstinacy, in maliciously shutting their eyes against the clearest light. But will he cease to be Elijah, if he shall not be received? Christ does not mean that John’s official character 17 depends on their approbation; but having declared that he is Elijah, he charges them with carelessness and ingratitude, if he does not obtain that respect to which he is entitled.

Defender: Mat 11:14 - -- John the Baptist came "in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luk 1:17). He was, however, not Elijah (Elias), nor was he received as Elijah. In fact, afte...

John the Baptist came "in the spirit and power of Elias" (Luk 1:17). He was, however, not Elijah (Elias), nor was he received as Elijah. In fact, after John's martyrdom, Jesus renewed the promise of Mal 4:5 that "Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things" (Mat 17:11)."

TSK: Mat 11:14 - -- if : Eze 2:5, Eze 3:10,Eze 3:11; Joh 16:12; 1Co 3:2 this : Mat 17:10-13; Mal 4:5; Mar 9:11-13; Luk 1:17; Joh 1:21-23; Rev 20:4

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Mat 11:14 - -- If ye will receive it - This is a mode of speaking implying that the doctrine which he was about to state was different from their common views...

If ye will receive it - This is a mode of speaking implying that the doctrine which he was about to state was different from their common views; that he was about to state something which varied from the common expectation, and which therefore they might be disposed to reject.

This is Elias ... - That is, "Elijah."Elias is the "Greek"mode of writing the Hebrew word "Elijah."An account of him is found in the first and second books of Kings. He was a distinguished prophet, and was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire, 2Ki 2:11. The prophet Malachi Mal 4:5-6 predicted that "Elijah"would be sent before the coming of the Messiah to prepare the way for him. By this was evidently meant, not that he should appear "in person,"but that one should appear with a striking resemblance to him; or, as Luke Luk 1:17 expresses it, "in the spirit and power of Elijah."But the Jews understood it differently. They supposed that Elijah would appear in person. They also supposed that Jeremiah and some other of the prophets would appear also to usher in the promised Messiah and to grace his advent. See Mat 16:14; Mat 17:10; Joh 1:21. This prevalent belief was the reason why he used the words "if ye will receive it,"implying that the affirmation that "John"was the promised Elijah was a doctrine contrary to their expectation.

Poole: Mat 11:14 - -- God had told the Jews, Mal 4:5,6 , that he would send them Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he...

God had told the Jews, Mal 4:5,6 , that he would send them Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers, lest (saith he) I come and smite the earth with a curse. This prophecy related to John the Baptist, as our Saviour here teacheth us; so, Luk 1:17 , it is confirmed by the angel to Zacharias, and Mar 9:11 . From which last text it appeareth, that the scribes had a tradition, that Elias should come before the Messiah. Their mistake was that they looked for an Elias to come in person, whenas God meant no more (as the angel expounds it, Luk 1:17 ) than one in the spirit and power of Elias, as bold and free a preacher, who should no more fear the face of men in the discharge of his duty than Elias did. Saith our Saviour, if you will believe, this John was that Elias prophesied of by Malachi.

Lightfoot: Mat 11:14 - -- And if ye will receive it; this is Elias, which was for to come.   [If ye will receive it, this is Elias.] If ye will receive it. The...

And if ye will receive it; this is Elias, which was for to come.   

[If ye will receive it, this is Elias.] If ye will receive it. The words hint some suspicion, that they would not receive his doctrine; which the obstinate expectation of that nation unto this very day, that Elias is personally to come, witnesseth also. Upon what ground some Christians are of the same opinion, let themselves look to it. See the notes on Mat 17:10.

Haydock: Mat 11:14 - -- He is Elias, &c. Not in person, but in spirit. (Luke i. 17) (Challoner) --- John is here styled Elias, not in the same manner as those who taught t...

He is Elias, &c. Not in person, but in spirit. (Luke i. 17) (Challoner) ---

John is here styled Elias, not in the same manner as those who taught the transmigration of souls; but the meaning is, that the precursor came in the spirit and virtue of Elias, and had the same fulness of the Holy Ghost. The Baptist is not undeservedly styled Elias, both for the austerity of his life, and for his sufferings. Elias upbraided Achab and Jezabel for their impieties, and was obliged to flee. John blamed the unlawful marriage of Herod and Herodias, and died for his virtue. (St. Jerome in St. Thomas Aquinas)

Gill: Mat 11:14 - -- And if ye will receive it,.... The words carry in them some suspicion of unbelief and hardness of heart, as though they would not receive it: however,...

And if ye will receive it,.... The words carry in them some suspicion of unbelief and hardness of heart, as though they would not receive it: however, whether they would or not, it was a certain truth, that

this same person, "John the Baptist",

is Elias, which was for to come; who was appointed by God to come, and was prophesied of Mal 4:5 that he should come; and even according to the doctrine of the Scribes and Rabbins, he was expected to come before the Messiah; only they in general thought that Elijah the Tishbite, in person, was meant; though some, as before observed e, were of opinion, that some great prophet equal to Elijah, and endued with the same spirit, is intended; and which is true of John the Baptist, who came "in the Spirit" and "power" of Elias, Luk 1:17. And, as it was usual with the Jews f, to call Phinehas by the name of Elias, and Elias Phinehas, because of his zeal for the Lord of hosts; for the same reason may John be called by the same name, there being a great resemblance between Elias and him; in their temper and disposition; in their manner of clothing, and austere way of living; in their very great piety and holiness; in their courage and integrity, in reproving vice; and in their zeal and usefulness in the cause of God, and true religion: in respect to which, Christ must be here understood, when he affirms John to be Elias; not Elias in person, but he that was intended by Elias, that was said should come: hence here is no contradiction to the words of the Baptist, in Joh 1:21 when he says, that he was not Elias; for the Jews, who put the question to him, whether he was Elias, or not? meant whether he was Elias in person, Elias the Tishbite, or not; and so John understood them, and very honestly and sincerely replies, he was not: but he does not deny that he was intended by this Elias, that was prophesied should come; yea, he says such things as might induce them to believe he was that person; hence, Christ, and he, say nothing contrary to, and irreconcilable, as the Jew g suggests, with each other.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Mat 11:1-30 - --1 John sends his disciples to Christ.7 Christ's testimony concerning John.16 The perverse judgment of the people.20 Christ upbraids Chorazin, Bethsaid...

MHCC: Mat 11:7-15 - --What Christ said concerning John, was not only for his praise, but for the people's profit. Those who attend on the word will be called to give an acc...

Matthew Henry: Mat 11:7-15 - -- We have here the high encomium which our Lord Jesus gave of John the Baptist; not only to revive his honour, but to revive his work. Some of Christ'...

Barclay: Mat 11:12-15 - --In Mat 11:12there is a very difficult saying, "The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and men of violence take it by force." Luke has this sa...

Constable: Mat 11:2--13:54 - --IV. The opposition to the King 11:2--13:53 Chapters 11-13 record Israel's rejection of her Messiah and its conse...

Constable: Mat 11:2-30 - --A. Evidences of Israel's rejection of Jesus 11:2-30 Matthew presented three evidences of opposition to J...

Constable: Mat 11:12-15 - --The identification of the King's forerunner 11:12-15 These verses further explain John the Baptist's crucial place in God's kingdom program. 11:12-13 ...

College: Mat 11:1-30 - --MATTHEW 11 III. ISRAEL'S MISUNDERSTANDING AND REPUDIATION OF JESUS (11:1-14:12) Following the discourse (10:5-42) Matthew marks the transition to t...

McGarvey: Mat 11:2-30 - -- XLV. THE BAPTIST'S INQUIRY AND JESUS' DISCOURSE SUGGESTED THEREBY. (Galilee.) aMATT. XI. 2-30; cLUKE VII. 18-35.    c18 And the disci...

Lapide: Mat 11:1-30 - --CHAPTER 11 And it came to pass, &c. He passed from thence : That means, He separated Himself from His Apostles, whom He sent to preach the Gospel by...

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Commentary -- Other

Contradiction: Mat 11:14 34. John the Baptist was (Matthew 11:14; 17:10-13) or was not Elijah to come (John 1:19-21)? (Category: misunderstood the historical context) Matth...

Critics Ask: Mat 11:14 MATTHEW 11:14 —Didn’t Jesus say John the Baptist was Elijah reincarnated? PROBLEM: Jesus refers here to John the Baptist as “Elijah who is ...

Evidence: Mat 11:14 This verse is often used to try and justify belief in reincarnation. However, Elijah wasn’t reincarnated as John the Baptist. John merely came in th...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW By Way of Introduction The passing years do not make it any plainer who actually wrote our Greek Matthew. Papias r...

JFB: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE author of this Gospel was a publican or tax gatherer, residing at Capernaum, on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. As to his identity with t...

JFB: Matthew (Outline) GENEALOGY OF CHRIST. ( = Luke 3:23-38). (Mat. 1:1-17) BIRTH OF CHRIST. (Mat 1:18-25) VISIT OF THE MAGI TO JERUSALEM AND BETHLEHEM. (Mat 2:1-12) THE F...

TSK: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, being one of the twelve apostles, and early called to the apostleship, and from the time of his call a constant attendant on our Saviour, was...

TSK: Matthew 11 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Mat 11:1, John sends his disciples to Christ; Mat 11:7, Christ’s testimony concerning John; Mat 11:16, The perverse judgment of the peo...

Poole: Matthew 11 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 11

MHCC: Matthew (Book Introduction) Matthew, surnamed Levi, before his conversion was a publican, or tax-gatherer under the Romans at Capernaum. He is generally allowed to have written h...

MHCC: Matthew 11 (Chapter Introduction) (Mat 11:1) Christ's preaching. (Mat 11:2-6) Christ's answer to John's disciples. (Mat 11:7-15) Christ's testimony to John the Baptist. (Mat 11:16-2...

Matthew Henry: Matthew (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Gospel According to St. Matthew We have now before us, I. The New Testament of our Lord and Savior...

Matthew Henry: Matthew 11 (Chapter Introduction) In this chapter we have, I. The constant and unwearied diligence of our Lord Jesus in his great work of preaching the gospel (Mat 11:1). II. His ...

Barclay: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO SAINT MATTHEW The Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark and Luke are usually known as the Synoptic Gospels. Synopt...

Barclay: Matthew 11 (Chapter Introduction) The Six Accents In The Voice Of Jesus (Mat_11:1-30) Matthew 11 is a chapter in which Jesus is speaking all the time; and, as he speaks to different...

Constable: Matthew (Book Introduction) Introduction The Synoptic Problem The synoptic problem is intrinsic to all study of th...

Constable: Matthew (Outline) Outline I. The introduction of the King 1:1-4:11 A. The King's genealogy 1:1-17 ...

Constable: Matthew Matthew Bibliography Abbott-Smith, G. A. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & T. Cl...

Haydock: Matthew (Book Introduction) THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW INTRODUCTION. THIS and other titles, with the names of those that wrote the Gospels,...

Gill: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW The subject of this book, and indeed of all the writings of the New Testament, is the Gospel. The Greek word ευαγγελ...

College: Matthew (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION It may surprise the modern reader to realize that for the first two centuries of the Christian era, Matthew's...

College: Matthew (Outline) OUTLINE I. ESTABLISHING THE IDENTITY AND ROLE OF JESUS THE CHRIST - Matt 1:1-4:16 A. Genealogy of Jesus - 1:1-17 B. The Annunciation to Joseph...

Lapide: Matthew (Book Introduction) PREFACE. —————— IN presenting to the reader the Second Volume [Matt X to XXI] of this Translation of the great work of Cornelius à Lapi...

Advanced Commentary (Dictionaries, Hymns, Arts, Sermon Illustration, Question and Answers, etc)


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