Matthew 11:9-10

11:9 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more ¹  than a prophet. 11:10 This is the one about whom it is written:

‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, ² 

who will prepare your way before you.’ ³ 

[11:9]  ¹ tn John the Baptist is “more” because he introduces the one (Jesus) who brings the new era. The term is neuter, but may be understood as masculine in this context (BDAG 806 s.v. περισσότερος b).

[11:10]  ² tn Grk “before your face” (an idiom).

[11:10]  ³ sn The quotation is primarily from Mal 3:1 with pronouns from Exod 23:20. Here is the forerunner who points the way to the arrival of God’s salvation. His job is to prepare and guide the people, as the cloud did for Israel in the desert.