Matthew 21 11

Matthew 21:11 kjv

And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

Matthew 21:11 nkjv

So the multitudes said, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee."

Matthew 21:11 niv

The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Matthew 21:11 esv

And the crowds said, "This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."

Matthew 21:11 nlt

And the crowds replied, "It's Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."

Matthew 21 verses

Matthew 21 11 Meaning

Matthew 21:11 presents the multitudes' identification of Jesus upon His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. They declared Him "Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee." This statement signifies their popular understanding and recognition of Him as a divine messenger, one who speaks for God and performs miraculous deeds, akin to the great prophets of Israel's past. Their identification also points to His specific geographical origin, linking Him to humble beginnings.

Matthew 21 11 Context

This verse occurs immediately after Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in Matthew 21:1-9. Jesus enters the city riding on a donkey, fulfilling prophetic scripture (Zech 9:9). The "very large crowd" (v.8) that gathered from Jerusalem and those accompanying Him from Bethany lay cloaks and cut branches, shouting "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" (v.9). This extraordinary event "stirred up the whole city" (v.10), prompting the inquiry about "who is this?" The answer from the multitudes in verse 11 sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent ministry in Jerusalem leading to His passion week. Historically and culturally, Jerusalem was buzzing with pilgrims for the Passover, and expectations for the Messiah or a great prophet were high. While the crowds proclaimed Him "the Prophet," their understanding was still limited, focusing on His prophetic teaching and miraculous signs rather than His full Messianic kingship or divine nature as the Son of God.

Matthew 21 11 Word analysis

• And (Καὶ - Kai): A simple conjunction, connecting the people's response to the city being "stirred up" (v. 10), indicating a direct continuation of the narrative's flow.
• the multitudes (οἱ ὄχλοι - hoi ochloi): Refers to the large crowds, primarily pilgrims from Galilee who followed Jesus and Jerusalemites caught up in the fervor. This highlights the popular opinion of Jesus, in contrast to the skepticism or outright hostility of the religious authorities.
• said (εἶπον - eipon): A simple declaration made by the crowds. It's a collective, decisive statement of identity.
• This (οὗτος - houtos): A demonstrative pronoun, emphasizing Jesus directly. It's an immediate and emphatic identification.
• is (ἐστιν - estin): A present tense verb "to be," indicating a definite and current reality in their perception.
• Jesus (Ἰησοῦς - Iēsous): The common Greek form of the Hebrew "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh saves." It is His personal and recognized name, denoting His identity and purpose of salvation.
• the prophet (ὁ προφήτης - ho prophētēs): This is a critical identification. The definite article "the" indicates they believed Him to be not just a prophet, but the anticipated prophet, most notably predicted in Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18, who would be like Moses. This role implied direct divine communication, authoritative teaching, and miraculous power. While accurate that Jesus was a prophet, this title represented only a partial understanding of His full identity as the Messiah, Son of God, and King.
• from (ἀπὸ - apo): Indicates origin or source.
• Nazareth (Ναζαρέτ - Nazaret): A small, humble, and largely undistinguished town in Galilee. Its mention highlights Jesus' unassuming earthly origins, which some perceived as lowly (Jn 1:46) but ironically fulfilled prophecy regarding His humble roots (e.g., Isa 11:1, interpreted as the "Branch" from Jesse, often linked to the term "Nazarene").
• of Galilee (τῆς Γαλιλαίας - tēs Galilaias): Specifies the region where Nazareth is located. Galilee was considered less prestigious and culturally less pure by the Judean elite (Jn 7:52), sometimes even viewed as "Galilee of the Gentiles" (Isa 9:1, Mt 4:15-16). This further reinforces Jesus' humble background and His appeal to the marginalized.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "And the multitudes said": Reveals the source of the popular belief about Jesus. It shows a widespread sentiment among common people, contrasting with the often cynical view of the religious authorities.
  • "This is Jesus, the prophet": Establishes the core identity being proclaimed. They recognize Him by name and, more significantly, by His widely acknowledged role as God's spokesperson and miracle-worker. This partial understanding of Jesus' true nature is noteworthy.
  • "from Nazareth of Galilee": Locates Jesus' origins precisely. This detail roots His prophetic identity in a specific, known, yet historically modest and perhaps culturally underestimated region, contributing to the fulfillment of various prophetic themes concerning the Messiah's humble beginnings.

Matthew 21 11 Bonus section

• The crowds' identification of Jesus as "the prophet" rather than "the Messiah" or "King" demonstrates both their limited yet significant understanding of who Jesus was. They perceived His divine commission and authority, a critical truth, even if they hadn't fully grasped His supreme deity or His redemptive mission.
• The phrase "Nazareth of Galilee" carries prophetic fulfillment as mentioned in Mat 2:23, likely connecting to Isaiah 11:1 where the "Branch" (Hebrew netzer) emerges from the root of Jesse. It subtly affirms that even seemingly lowly origins were part of God's sovereign plan.
• The "stirring of the whole city" (v. 10) indicates the immediate impact of Jesus' presence. The multitudes' reply in v. 11 served to inform and clarify for the astonished citizens of Jerusalem who this influential figure was. This moment marked Jesus' public presentation to the capital city, preceding the intense confrontations of Passion Week.
• The distinction between the "multitudes" (popular belief) and the "whole city" (the more general, possibly less informed populace and eventually the religious elite) is important here, showing the widespread discussion and varying levels of understanding regarding Jesus.

Matthew 21 11 Commentary

Matthew 21:11 encapsulates the prevalent public perception of Jesus during His climactic entry into Jerusalem. The crowds, moved by His miracles, teaching, and the events of the triumphal entry, acknowledged Him as "the prophet," connecting Him to the esteemed figures like Moses and Elijah and fulfilling prophetic expectations (Deut 18:15). This declaration signifies a recognition of His divine authority and role as a messenger from God. However, their description of Him originating "from Nazareth of Galilee" simultaneously highlights His humble and, to some, ignoble origins, contrasting with traditional expectations of a king from David's city (Bethlehem). While accurate in identifying Jesus as a prophet, this understanding was incomplete, falling short of His full identity as the Son of God, the Christ, and the promised King. It reflected popular Jewish Messianic expectation that often looked for a political leader or a divinely empowered prophet rather than the Suffering Servant Messiah who would offer Himself for sin. This scene sets up the impending conflict between this popular yet partial understanding and the official rejection by the religious leadership.