Matthew 11 3

Matthew 11:3 kjv

And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?

Matthew 11:3 nkjv

and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"

Matthew 11:3 niv

to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Matthew 11:3 esv

and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

Matthew 11:3 nlt

"Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?"

Matthew 11 verses

Matthew 11 3 Meaning

Matthew 11:3 records the direct question sent by John the Baptist from prison to Jesus: "Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for another?" This query expresses John's disciples' (and perhaps John's own) uncertainty or desire for clarity regarding Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, given the contrast between Jesus' ministry style and prevailing messianic expectations.

Matthew 11 3 Context

Matthew chapter 11 opens with Jesus completing His instructions to the twelve disciples and then going off to teach and preach in the towns. At this point, John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas (as recounted in Mt 14:3-5). From his confinement, John, or perhaps more accurately his disciples on his behalf, sends this urgent query to Jesus.

The prevailing messianic expectation among many Jews at the time, fueled by centuries of oppression, was of a mighty, conquering King who would swiftly overthrow Roman rule and establish an earthly kingdom of power and glory, administering judgment upon the unrighteous. John himself had preached of a Messiah who would come "with His winnowing fork in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire" (Mt 3:12). Jesus' ministry, however, seemed to prioritize healing, teaching, and fellowship, rather than immediate, overt political or military confrontation, which may have led to confusion or disquiet among John's followers, and possibly John himself. This tension between prophetic expectation and observed reality forms the immediate backdrop of the verse.

Matthew 11 3 Word analysis

• Now (δὲ - de): A transitional particle, linking this event to the preceding narrative, suggesting a continuation of Jesus' public ministry and John's role in the overall divine plan, even in his confinement.
• when John (Ἰωάννης - Iōannēs): Refers to John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin and precursor, who prophetically heralded Jesus' coming and baptized Him. His questioning from prison highlights human perplexity even among strong believers when divine plans unfold unexpectedly.
• heard (ἀκούσας - akousas): An aorist participle, indicating a completed action—John received reports about Jesus' works and teachings, which prompted the question. These reports would have detailed actions that did not fully align with the expected dramatic messianic judgment John had preached.
• in prison (ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ - en tō desmōtēriō): Emphasizes John's confinement and limited access to information, which likely contributed to the disparity between his previous prophetic pronouncements and the reports of Jesus' ministry. It also highlights his desperate situation.
• of the works (τὰ ἔργα - ta erga): Refers specifically to the deeds Jesus was performing – His miracles of healing, teaching, casting out demons, and engaging with the marginalized. These "works" are precisely what Jesus will appeal to in His response as proof of His identity (Matt 11:4-5; Jn 5:36; Jn 10:25, 38).
• of Christ (τοῦ Χριστοῦ - tou Christou): This phrase translates "of the Christ" or "of the Anointed One." Matthew's editorial insertion, or perhaps John's own reference in some accounts, clarifies that the "works" being heard were those pertaining to the expected Messiah. This confirms the question's messianic nature.
• he sent (πέμψας - pempsas): John did not come himself but sent messengers, suggesting urgency and a reliance on intermediaries due to his imprisonment.
• his disciples (τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ - tous mathētas autou): The query came via John's followers. It might have been primarily for their benefit, so they could witness Jesus' answer and remove their own doubts, solidifying their faith in Jesus. It also shows that John maintained a loyal following even in prison.
• and said to Him (εἶπεν αὐτῷ - eipen autō): Directly communicating the query to Jesus.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Are You the Coming One?" (Σὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος - Sy ei ho erchomenos): This is a critical Messianic title drawn from various Old Testament passages (e.g., Ps 118:26; Heb 10:37). It refers to the long-prophesied deliverer, the Messiah, the one who is specifically appointed by God to establish His kingdom. John's use of this title indicates his fundamental understanding of Jesus' unique role, yet the subsequent clause indicates a perceived disconnect.
• "or shall we look for another?" (ἢ ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν - ē heteron prosdokōmen): This alternative reveals the heart of the question: doubt or confusion stemming from unfulfilled expectations. The Messiah, according to popular Jewish thought and some interpretations of prophecy, was to bring immediate, visible judgment and national liberation (e.g., Isa 63:1-6; Zech 9:9). Jesus' current actions, while miraculous, did not fit this dramatic, politically transformative agenda, leaving room for perplexity concerning whether they had identified the correct person. This choice presents a stark dilemma to Jesus, requiring a definitive answer. It challenges Jesus to align with or refute the prevailing messianic model.

Matthew 11 3 Bonus section

The question from John reflects a common prophetic paradox: while some prophecies speak of a glorious, judging Messiah, others describe a suffering servant (Isa 53). John, though greatest among prophets, may have been operating more heavily on the expectation of the former, typical of the first coming's prevailing messianic thought which anticipated a glorious kingdom without first the cross. John's question, therefore, served multiple purposes: to alleviate his disciples' anxieties, to solicit a public declaration from Jesus, and perhaps even to clarify his own understanding in the face of suffering. Jesus' answer affirms the prophetic, but quietly powerful, nature of His ministry, subtly rebuking the expectation of immediate political and retributive action without denying His ultimate judicial role. It's a key moment that helps redefine popular, often misinformed, perceptions of the Messiah during Jesus' earthly ministry.

Matthew 11 3 Commentary

Matthew 11:3 captures a pivotal moment of tension and divine clarity. John the Baptist, once so certain of Jesus' identity that he declared Him the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, now poses a direct, seemingly doubtful question. This isn't necessarily a sign of failing faith on John's part but reflects the profound human struggle when God's timing and methods diverge from our expectations. John was in prison, suffering, and likely anticipated a Messiah who would overthrow earthly powers and execute judgment immediately, fitting his own prophetic pronouncements. Jesus' quiet ministry of healing and teaching, without the expected fiery judgment or political revolution, might have sown confusion.

The question "Are you the Coming One, or shall we look for another?" directly challenges Jesus' messianic identity based on perceived inconsistencies. Jesus' immediate response (Matt 11:4-6) is crucial; He does not give a declarative "Yes, I am," but points to His works—the very "works of the Christ" that John heard about. By quoting from Isa 35:5-6 and Isa 61:1, Jesus subtly but powerfully redefines messianic expectation. He emphasizes that the Messiah's role primarily involves bringing healing, good news, and restoration, not necessarily immediate political revolution. The blessings of the Messianic age are for the physically and spiritually downtrodden. Jesus validates His identity through concrete evidence, aligning His ministry with prophetic fulfillment, thereby correcting any misinterpretations of the Messiah's function. This exchange underscores that the true signs of the Messiah were not about political overthrow, but about acts of compassion, redemption, and bringing light to the obscure corners of humanity. It also teaches us that even devoted servants of God can face periods of doubt or confusion, and that God responds with clear, biblically-rooted evidence.