Luke 7 26

Luke 7:26 kjv

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Luke 7:26 nkjv

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

Luke 7:26 niv

But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Luke 7:26 esv

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Luke 7:26 nlt

Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.

Luke 7 verses

Luke 7 26 Meaning

This verse represents Jesus's authoritative declaration regarding the profound and unparalleled status of John the Baptist. It affirms that John was indeed a prophet, yet transcended the typical role of a prophet, possessing a unique mission directly linked to the advent of the Messiah. John's significance surpassed all prior prophets because he was the one not just foretelling the coming of God's Anointed, but actively preparing His way and personally pointing Him out.

Luke 7 26 Context

Luke 7:26 is part of Jesus's discourse concerning John the Baptist, immediately following John's disciples returning to John after asking Jesus if He was the Messiah. Jesus uses this occasion to address the multitudes, implicitly asking them to consider their initial motivation for going out to the wilderness to see John. He poses a series of rhetorical questions (verses 24-26) which progressively reveal John's true stature. Verse 26, specifically, contrasts the casual observer's expectation with John's divine significance, elevating him beyond the conventional understanding of a prophet. This affirmation sets the stage for Jesus's subsequent pronouncement that John, despite his greatness, is less than the least in the Kingdom of God (v. 28), highlighting the new reality brought by the Messiah's direct presence. The historical context involves the widespread expectation of a prophet, perhaps even Elijah, prior to the Messiah. John's austerity and powerful message drew vast crowds from settled areas to the desolate wilderness.

Luke 7 26 Word analysis

• But what did you go out to see?: (τί ἐξήλθετε ἰδεῖν; ti exēltete idein?)

  • τί (ti - "what"): This is a strong interrogative pronoun, emphasizing the gravity of the question. It prompts a serious introspection, making the audience reflect on their initial intent. It's not a casual query, but a demand for a clear understanding of purpose.
  • ἐξήλθετε (exēltete - "you went out" / "did you go out"): This word implies movement from a settled, perhaps comfortable, place to an often inhospitable and solitary location—the wilderness (as described in prior verses/contexts for John's ministry). It highlights the deliberate effort and expectation associated with seeking John. People were drawn by something significant, not mundane.
  • ἰδεῖν (idein - "to see"): This verb suggests more than just a glance. It denotes perceiving, understanding, or having an encounter. The crowds didn't just casually pass by John; they sought him out to witness something profound, perhaps expecting signs or a revelation from God.

• A prophet?: (προφήτην; prophētēn?)

  • προφήτην (prophētēn - "prophet"): The standard Greek term for one who speaks on behalf of God, foretelling events, or declaring God's will. It denotes a person divinely inspired to deliver messages. People would undoubtedly recognize John as fitting this traditional role given his message and lifestyle, evoking comparisons to Old Testament figures like Elijah. This rhetorical question subtly validates their common perception while preparing them for something greater.

• Yes, I tell you: (Ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν, Nai, legō hymin)

  • Ναί (Nai - "Yes" / "Indeed"): An emphatic affirmation. Jesus confirms the initial, correct assessment of John's prophetic identity. This validation lends weight to His subsequent declaration, as if saying, "You were right, but there's more."
  • λέγω ὑμῖν (legō hymin - "I tell you"): An authoritative phrase often used by Jesus, underscoring the absolute truth and divine source of His statement. It signifies a profound revelation from Himself, carrying the weight of ultimate authority. It differentiates His words from human opinion or observation.

• and more than a prophet: (καὶ περισσότερον προφήτου, kai perissoteron prophētou)

  • καὶ (kai - "and" / "even"): Here, it serves as an additive and emphatic conjunction, introducing a statement of elevated comparison.
  • περισσότερον (perissoteron - "more than" / "superior" / "greater"): This comparative adjective is the crux of the verse. It denotes exceeding, excelling, or being beyond measure. John isn't just another prophet; his function and status transcend all others. The Greek root perissos implies abundance or surpassing.
  • προφήτου (prophētou - "of a prophet" / "than a prophet"): Here, in the genitive case, it indicates the comparison—John surpasses the category of 'prophet.'
  • Significance: John's uniqueness stems from his direct role as the immediate forerunner of the Messiah. While Old Testament prophets spoke about a future Messiah, John actually pointed to Him, baptized Him, and initiated the bridge between the old covenant era (Law and Prophets) and the new (Kingdom of God). He was the culmination of Old Testament prophecy concerning the preparation for the Anointed One's first coming.

Luke 7 26 Bonus section

The concept of "more than a prophet" in Luke 7:26 has strong polemical undertones against the prevailing Rabbinic understanding of prophets in post-Malachi Judaism. After Malachi, a common Jewish belief was that prophecy had ceased ("the prophetic spirit departed from Israel"). By declaring John "a prophet" and then "more than a prophet," Jesus challenged this notion. He asserted that God was indeed still speaking through prophets, and specifically through John, marking a new phase in God's redemptive plan that culminated in Himself. This directly confronts any perspective that would diminish John's significance or categorize him within ceased prophecy, indicating an active continuation of divine communication leading to the Messiah.

Luke 7 26 Commentary

Luke 7:26 powerfully encapsulates Jesus's estimation of John the Baptist. It affirms John's legitimate role as a prophet, which was already widely recognized by the people, yet immediately elevates him to an unprecedented status. The "more than a prophet" distinction highlights John's singular position in redemptive history as the prophesied messenger of Malachi 3:1 and the "Elijah" figure (Mal 4:5-6) who directly prepared the way for the Lord's arrival. Unlike other prophets who foretold events in the distant future or proclaimed God's will generally, John bore personal witness to Jesus's presence, marking the immediate fulfillment of prophecy. He was the transitional figure between the Old Covenant dispensation of preparation and the New Covenant era of fulfillment and inauguration of the Kingdom of God, making his mission uniquely privileged and decisive. His greatness is precisely in being the herald who saw, pointed to, and initiated the ministry of the Christ himself, rather than merely speaking about His future advent.