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A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and <i>one</i> more excellent than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and <i>one who is</i> more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But what did you [really] go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [more eminent, more remarkable, and] far more than a prophet [who foretells the future].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What did you really go out to see? Was he a prophet? He certainly was. I tell you that he was more than a prophet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Really, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and even more than a prophet! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But what went ye out to see? A prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and <i>one</i> more excellent than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'But what went ye out to see? -- a prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />But what went ye out to see? A prophet? yes, I say to you, and more eminent than a prophet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But what went you out to see? a prophet? yea I tell you, and more than a prophet. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And if not so, What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />“Otherwise what did you go out to see? A Prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a Prophet.”<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But what went you out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Yet what went ye out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and abundantly more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />or did you go to see a prophet? yes, and be assured, one superiour to a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But why did ye go out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>But what did ye <Fr><i>indeed</i><FR> go out to see? a prophet? Yes, verily, and <Fr><i>one</i><FR> superior to a prophet.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/11-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2797" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Jesus Testifies about John</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">What</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">then</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthate (V-AIA-2P) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">did you go out</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idein (V-ANA) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">to see?</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētēn (N-AMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">A prophet?</a> <a href="/greek/3483.htm" title="3483: nai (Prtcl) -- Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes.">Yes,</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4053.htm" title="4053: perissoteron (Adj-AMS-C) -- From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.">more</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētou (N-GMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">than a prophet.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">10</span>This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a></span><br />“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a></span><br />A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-26.htm">Luke 7:26</a></span><br />What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-3.htm">Matthew 3:3</a></span><br />This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-23.htm">John 1:23</a></span><br />John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet: “I am a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-3</a></span><br />As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-76.htm">Luke 1:76</a></span><br />And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35</a></span><br />John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12-13</a></span><br />But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” / Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-11.htm">Mark 9:11-13</a></span><br />And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? / But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/3-4.htm">Luke 3:4</a></span><br />as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/3-28.htm">John 3:28</a></span><br />You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-26.htm">Matthew 21:26</a></span><br />But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for they all regard John as a prophet.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-6.htm">Luke 20:6</a></span><br />But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-24.htm">Acts 13:24-25</a></span><br />Before the arrival of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. / As John was completing his course, he said, ‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not that One. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But what went you out for to see? A prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.</p><p class="hdg">A prophet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-13.htm">Matthew 11:13,14</a></b></br> For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Matthew 14:5</a></b></br> And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/17-12.htm">Matthew 17:12,13</a></b></br> But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/8-30.htm">Far</a> <a href="/matthew/10-41.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Far</a> <a href="/matthew/12-17.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/12-12.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">John sends his disciples to Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Jesus' testimony concerning John.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">he calls to him those who are weary and burdened.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>What then did you go out to see?</b><br>This question is posed by Jesus to the crowd, prompting them to reflect on their motivations for seeking out John the Baptist. It challenges the audience to consider their expectations and understanding of John's role. The rhetorical nature of the question suggests that the people were drawn to John for reasons beyond mere curiosity, indicating a deeper spiritual hunger or anticipation of messianic fulfillment.<p><b>A prophet?</b><br>In the Jewish tradition, prophets were revered as God's messengers, often calling the people to repentance and foretelling future events. By referring to John as a prophet, Jesus affirms John's role within this esteemed lineage. Prophets were seen as intermediaries between God and His people, and John's emergence after a long prophetic silence would have been significant to the Jewish audience.<p><b>Yes, I tell you,</b><br>Jesus confirms the crowd's assumption, emphasizing the truth of John's prophetic status. This affirmation from Jesus carries weight, as it comes from one who is recognized as a teacher and authority. It underscores the importance of John's mission and the divine endorsement of his message.<p><b>and more than a prophet.</b><br>This phrase elevates John the Baptist above the traditional role of a prophet. John is not only a prophet but also the forerunner of the Messiah, as prophesied in <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Malachi 3:1</a>. His unique role in preparing the way for Jesus sets him apart from other prophets. This distinction highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker of this verse, addressing the crowd about John the Baptist.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>The subject of Jesus' statement, recognized as a prophet and more.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a></b><br>The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, who had gone out to see John.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a></b><br>The place where John the Baptist preached and baptized, drawing many to hear his message.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophets.htm">Prophets</a></b><br>The historical figures in Israel who spoke God's word to the people, often foretelling future events.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophetic_roles.htm">Understanding Prophetic Roles</a></b><br>John the Baptist is not just a prophet but the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling specific Old Testament prophecies. Recognize the unique roles God assigns to individuals in His redemptive plan.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_preparation.htm">The Importance of Preparation</a></b><br>Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for Christ's work in us and through us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_god's_messengers.htm">Recognizing God's Messengers</a></b><br>Be attentive to those God sends into our lives to guide and challenge us spiritually. They may not always fit our expectations but can be crucial in our spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_seeking_truth.htm">The Value of Seeking Truth</a></b><br>The crowd went out to see John because they were seeking truth. We should also actively seek God's truth, even if it requires effort and stepping out of our comfort zones.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">The Fulfillment of Prophecy</a></b><br>Jesus' affirmation of John as more than a prophet highlights the fulfillment of God's promises. Trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His word in His timing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_crucifixion_in_journey.htm">What events mark the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'kingdom_suffers_violence'.htm">What does "kingdom of God suffers violence" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/was_john_the_baptist_elijah.htm">Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come? Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13) No (John 1:19-21)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_john_doubt_jesus_in_matthew_11.htm">In Matthew 11:2–3, why does John the Baptist question Jesus as the Messiah despite previously recognizing Him (Matthew 3)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">What went ye out for to see? A prophet?</span>--The words again throw the hearers back upon the impressions made on them when they first saw and heard the Baptist. They then went out to see a prophet, and they were not, disappointed. Nothing that they had seen or heard since was to lead them to think less worthily of him now. He was indeed a prophet, taught by the Spirit of Jehovah, predicting the glory of the kingdom; but he was also something more than this--a worker in the fulfilment of what he thus proclaimed.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But what went ye out for to see? A prophet?</span> <span class="accented">But wherefore went ye out</span>? <span class="accented">To see a prophet</span>? (Revised Version). <span class="cmt_word">Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet</span>. Our Lord accepts their estimate of John, but says that it is insufficient. He thus passes on to show the relation in which John stood to himself. John was more than a prophet such as they thought of, for he was "the subject as well as the vehicle of prophecy" (Alford), and was the immediate forerunner of the great King. <span class="accented">More than</span>; <span class="accented">much more than</span> (Revised Version). <span class="greek">Περισσότερομν</span> is probably neuter, for this not only agrees with <span class="greek">τι</span>, but emphasizes the thought more than the masculine (cf. <a href="/matthew/12-6.htm">Matthew 12:6</a>, note). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/11-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="grk">τί</span> <span class="translit">(ti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did you go out</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐξήλθατε</span> <span class="translit">(exēlthate)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see?</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰδεῖν</span> <span class="translit">(idein)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> </span><span class="str2">Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A prophet?</span><br /><span class="grk">προφήτην</span> <span class="translit">(prophētēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Yes,</span><br /><span class="grk">ναί</span> <span class="translit">(nai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3483.htm">Strong's 3483: </a> </span><span class="str2">Yes, certainly, even so. A primary particle of strong affirmation; yes.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I tell</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῖν</span> <span class="translit">(hymin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">more</span><br /><span class="grk">περισσότερον</span> <span class="translit">(perissoteron)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular - Comparative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4053.htm">Strong's 4053: </a> </span><span class="str2">From peri; superabundant or superior; by implication, excessive; adverbially violently; neuter preeminence.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than a prophet.</span><br /><span class="grk">προφήτου</span> <span class="translit">(prophētou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/11-9.htm">Matthew 11:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/11-9.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 11:9 But why did you go out? 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