Matthew 11 2

Matthew 11:2 kjv

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Matthew 11:2 nkjv

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples

Matthew 11:2 niv

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples

Matthew 11:2 esv

Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Matthew 11:2 nlt

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus,

Matthew 11 verses

Matthew 11 2 Meaning

This verse states that John the Baptist, while imprisoned, heard reports concerning the actions of Jesus Christ. As a result, he dispatched two of his disciples to Jesus, evidently seeking clarification regarding His messianic identity or the nature of His ongoing work. It highlights a critical moment of inquiry from the prophesied forerunner concerning the One he announced.

Matthew 11 2 Context

Matthew chapter 11 marks a shift in the Gospel narrative. Prior to this, Jesus has established His authority through numerous miraculous healings and teachings (Mt 8-9), followed by sending out His twelve disciples with authority (Mt 10). The pervasive nature of His "works" is a dominant theme. John the Baptist, the divinely appointed forerunner who publicly recognized and baptized Jesus, has been imprisoned by Herod Antipas for his condemnation of Herod’s unlawful marriage (as detailed later in Mt 14:3-12). From his confinement, John receives reports of Jesus’ ministry. His question, though seemingly unexpected given his prior prophetic insight, reflects the tension between his traditional understanding of the Messiah (as one who brings swift judgment and restoration) and the apparent lack of immediate, visible, political overthrow by Jesus. The historical context for the original Jewish audience included widespread messianic expectations often centered on a political redeemer who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. Jesus' ministry, while powerful, did not fit this common template, causing some confusion even among those closest to Him.

Matthew 11 2 Word analysis

• Now (δέ - de): A Greek particle signifying a transition or continuation. Here, it introduces a new development in the narrative, subtly indicating a change in circumstance or focus following the previous chapters' accounts of Jesus' public ministry and the sending of His disciples.
• when John (Ἰωάννης - Iōannēs): Refers to John the Baptist. His significance is immense as the prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah, predicted by Malachi (Mal 3:1, 4:5-6) and fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (Isa 40:3). He publicly identified Jesus as the "Lamb of God" (Jn 1:29) and was chosen by God to baptize Jesus.
• had heard (ἀκούσας - akousas): An aorist active participle, meaning "having heard." It suggests that John had received a series of reports, or had a period of time to process what he heard, rather than just hearing a single, recent piece of information. The implication is that these reports were significant enough to provoke his inquiry.
• in prison (ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ - en tō desmotēriō): Emphasizes John's confinement, making direct engagement with Jesus impossible for him. His imprisonment was a grim reality, a result of his fearless proclamation of truth against Herod Antipas (Mt 14:3-4). This isolation and physical suffering could contribute to doubt or a re-evaluation of expectations, especially if Jesus’ actions did not align with his eschatological outlook.
• about the works (περὶ τῶν ἔργων - peri tōn ergōn): Refers to Jesus' actions, specifically His miracles, healings, and teachings (e.g., healing lepers, raising the dead, casting out demons, Mt 8-9). These were public and demonstrable proofs of divine power and authority. John sought clarification based on the nature and extent of these "works" in relation to his messianic expectations.
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): The definite article with "Christ" signifies that "Christ" is a title, meaning "the Anointed One," the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah." John's inquiry is precisely about whether Jesus, whose works are being reported, truly is the promised Anointed King, Redeemer, and Judge, or if there is another to come.
• he sent (πέμψας - pempsas): Another aorist active participle, "having sent." This denotes a decisive action by John. He didn't just passively ponder but actively sought answers, demonstrating the seriousness of his concern or quest for clarification.
• two of his disciples (δύο τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ - duo tōn mathētōn autou): John chose trusted followers, indicating the importance of the mission and the need for reliable messengers to bring back an accurate account. These disciples were likely deeply loyal to John, and this mission would also serve to expose them to Jesus directly, potentially shifting their focus from John to Christ.

• Words-Group Analysis:
• "Now when John had heard in prison": This phrase immediately establishes John's constrained circumstance, setting the stage for why he sends messengers instead of coming himself. His hearing in prison signifies a reliance on external reports, which may have been incomplete or confusing given his eschatological framework.
• "about the works of Christ": This is the crucial subject of the reports. The "works" refer to the specific signs and miracles Jesus was performing (Isa 35:5-6, 61:1). John's query implies a comparison between these reported "works" and his own understanding of what the "Christ" (Messiah) should be doing—perhaps looking for more immediate judgment or political overthrow as prophesied by him (Mt 3:12).
• "he sent two of his disciples": This group of words describes John's proactive step. By sending his own disciples, John ensures faithful relay of his question and potentially aims to guide his followers to Jesus, allowing them to witness Jesus' ministry firsthand and confirm His identity for themselves, solidifying their own faith.

Matthew 11 2 Bonus section

It is important to consider that John's question, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" (Mt 11:3), which follows directly from verse 2, might have been designed not for John's personal conviction but for the benefit of his own disciples. John had declared that Jesus must increase and he must decrease (Jn 3:30). By sending his disciples directly to Jesus, John was providing them with a personal encounter that could transition their loyalty and understanding from himself to Jesus. They needed to see and hear for themselves the "works of Christ" to understand that Jesus was fulfilling prophecies in a way perhaps beyond John's immediate expectations, paving their way to follow the true Messiah. The ambiguity or shock of John's question for some readers often overshadows this pedagogical purpose, which aligns with John’s entire ministry of pointing others to Christ.

Matthew 11 2 Commentary

Matthew 11:2 introduces a profoundly significant scene where John the Baptist, the heralded prophet who had previously testified to Jesus’ identity, sends an inquiry from prison about whether Jesus is indeed the Christ. This is not necessarily an indicator of failing faith in John, but rather a profound moment of grappling with unfulfilled expectations or perhaps even the burden of human suffering and limited perspective. John likely anticipated a Messiah who would immediately execute divine judgment (as he preached in Mt 3:10-12) and bring about political liberation, not one whose primary works were healings and teachings. His imprisonment by Herod also placed him in a context where a swift, judging Messiah would be particularly welcome.

This question serves several critical functions. Firstly, it provides Jesus with an opportunity to declare His messianic identity not by a title, but by the irrefutable evidence of His miraculous works, which directly fulfill Old Testament prophecies (Isa 35:5-6, 61:1). Secondly, it prepares Jesus’ audience, and John’s disciples, to understand the nature of His kingdom – not primarily political or immediate judgment, but one of compassion, healing, and spiritual transformation for the humble and outcast. Thirdly, it underscores the truth that even God’s chosen servants can experience moments of questioning when reality differs from preconceived notions, offering a comforting truth for all believers. Finally, it reinforces the principle that "works" serve as authentic testimony to Jesus’ identity (Jn 5:36, 10:25), anchoring faith not merely in proclamation but in divine manifestation.