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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 11:2 Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/11-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/40_Mat_11_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 11:2 - John's Inquiry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/11-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/11-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/11-1.htm" title="Matthew 11:1">◄</a> Matthew 11:2 <a href="/matthew/11-3.htm" title="Matthew 11:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/11.htm">New International Version</a> When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples <a href="/nlt/matthew/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, <a href="/esv/matthew/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples <a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And John, having heard in prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples, <a href="/kjv/matthew/11.htm">King James Bible</a> Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, <a href="/nkjv/matthew/11.htm">New King James Version</a> And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples <a href="/nasb_/matthew/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples, <a href="/nasb/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples <a href="/nasb77/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples, <a href="/lsb/matthew/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples <a href="/amp/matthew/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when John [the Baptist] in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent word by his disciples <a href="/csb/matthew/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples <a href="/hcsb/matthew/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples <a href="/asv/matthew/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples <a href="/cev/matthew/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> John was in prison when he heard what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers <a href="/erv/matthew/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples, <a href="/gwt/matthew/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ had done. So he sent his disciples <a href="/gnt/matthew/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> When John the Baptist heard in prison about the things that Christ was doing, he sent some of his disciples to him. <a href="/isv/matthew/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now when John heard in prison about the activities of the Messiah, he sent a message by his disciples <a href="/net/matthew/11.htm">NET Bible</a> Now when John heard in prison about the deeds Christ had done, he sent his disciples to ask a question: <a href="/nheb/matthew/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent [a message] by his disciples <a href="/wbt/matthew/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire:<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent two of his disciples <a href="/web/matthew/11.htm">World English Bible</a> Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples, <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And John, having heard in prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples, <a href="/ylt/matthew/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples, <a href="/slt/matthew/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And John having heard in prison the works of Christ, having sent two of his disciples,<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ: sending two of his disciples he said to him: <a href="/cpdv/matthew/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now when John had heard, in prison, about the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, he said to him, <a href="/nabre/matthew/11.htm">New American Bible</a> When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But when John heard in prison of the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples, <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when Yohannan had heard in prison of the works of The Messiah, he sent by his disciples,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now when John had heard in the prison of the works of the Christ, he sent two of his disciples, <a href="/godbey/matthew/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And John hearing in the prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, <a href="/haweis/matthew/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then John, having heard in prison the works of Christ, sent two of his disciples, <a href="/mace/matthew/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> in the mean time John having heard in his confinement of the actions of Christ, he sent two of his disciples to ask him, <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire: <a href="/worrell/matthew/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And John, having heard, in the prison, of the works of the Christ, sending by his disciples, <a href="/worsley/matthew/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Now when John heard in prison of the works of Christ, <a href="/parallel/matthew/11-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2736" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">John's Inquiry</a> 1After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannēs (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akousas (V-APA-NMS) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">heard</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1201.htm" title="1201: desmōtēriō (N-DNS) -- A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon.">prison</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">about the</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/3992.htm" title="3992: pempsas (V-APA-NMS) -- To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. ">and he sent</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētōn (N-GMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> 3to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/7-18.htm">Luke 7:18-23</a> Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things. / So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” ... <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-5</a> Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” / Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet. <a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29-34</a> The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ... <a href="/isaiah/35-4.htm">Isaiah 35:4-6</a> Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” / Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. <a href="/isaiah/61-1.htm">Isaiah 61:1-2</a> The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn, <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “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. <a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5-6</a> Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.” <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / 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.’” <a href="/matthew/3-11.htm">Matthew 3:11-12</a> I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” <a href="/john/3-26.htm">John 3:26-30</a> So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ ... <a href="/luke/3-15.htm">Luke 3:15-17</a> The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. / John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-4</a> 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.’” / John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. <a href="/john/5-36.htm">John 5:36</a> But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me. <a href="/john/10-41.htm">John 10:41</a> Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.” <a href="/acts/19-4.htm">Acts 19:4</a> Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,in.<a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12</a> Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;<a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3</a> For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.<a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Mark 6:17</a> For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.he.<a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14</a> Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?<a href="/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25-28</a> Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying… <a href="/john/4-1.htm">John 4:1</a> When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/2-4.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_john/3-16.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/matthew/6-4.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/zechariah/1-6.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/matthew/9-12.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/37-15.htm">Imprisoned</a> <a href="/matthew/10-11.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/matthew/10-2.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/9-35.htm">News</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/8-17.htm">Word</a> <a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/16-16.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/matthew/27-53.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/12-16.htm">Doings</a> <a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Imprisoned</a> <a href="/matthew/13-28.htm">Inquire</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">News</a> <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Prison</a> <a href="/matthew/12-16.htm">Word</a> <a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 11</div>1. <a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">John sends his disciples to Jesus.</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Jesus' testimony concerning John.</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son.</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum;</a> 25. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple,</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">he calls to him those who are weary and burdened.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>Meanwhile John heard in prison John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, for condemning Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife (<a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-4</a>). This imprisonment took place in the fortress of Machaerus, located east of the Dead Sea. John's situation reflects the cost of prophetic ministry and the opposition faced by those who speak truth to power. His imprisonment also fulfills the prophetic role of suffering for righteousness' sake, as seen in the lives of other prophets like Jeremiah.about the works of Christ John had previously baptized Jesus and witnessed the Holy Spirit descending upon Him, affirming Jesus as the Messiah (<a href="/matthew/3-16.htm">Matthew 3:16-17</a>). The "works of Christ" refer to Jesus' miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion, which were signs of the Kingdom of God. These works fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, such as healing the blind and setting captives free (<a href="/isaiah/61.htm">Isaiah 61:1</a>). John's hearing of these works while in prison suggests a continued interest and hope in the messianic mission, despite his own circumstances.and he sent his disciples John's disciples remained loyal to him during his imprisonment, indicating the strong influence he had as a teacher and prophet. By sending them to Jesus, John sought confirmation of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. This action demonstrates John's humility and desire for his followers to transition to Jesus, as he had previously stated, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (<a href="/john/3-30.htm">John 3:30</a>). It also highlights the importance of seeking understanding and assurance in faith, even for those who are strong in their beliefs.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his call to repentance and baptizing Jesus. At this point, he is imprisoned by Herod Antipas. 2. <a href="/topical/p/prison.htm">Prison</a> The place where John the Baptist is held. This imprisonment is due to his outspoken criticism of Herod Antipas' unlawful marriage to Herodias. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples_of_john.htm">Disciples of John</a> Followers of John the Baptist who are sent by him to inquire about Jesus' identity and works. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ.htm">Christ (Jesus)</a> The central figure of the New Testament, whose works and teachings are the focus of John's inquiry. 5. <a href="/topical/h/herod_antipas.htm">Herod Antipas</a> The ruler of Galilee and Perea, responsible for imprisoning John the Baptist.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_amidst_doubt.htm">Faith Amidst Doubt</a> Even strong believers like John the Baptist can experience doubt. It's important to seek answers and reassurance in times of uncertainty. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_messengers.htm">The Role of Messengers</a> John the Baptist's role as a forerunner highlights the importance of preparing the way for Christ in our own lives and communities. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_christ's_works.htm">Recognizing Christ's Works</a> Understanding and recognizing the works of Christ is crucial for affirming our faith and sharing it with others. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> John's imprisonment reminds us that following Christ can lead to personal sacrifice and challenges. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_confirmation.htm">Seeking Confirmation</a> Like John, we should not hesitate to seek confirmation of our faith through prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 11</a> <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 href="/q/meaning_of_'kingdom_suffers_violence'.htm">What does "kingdom of God suffers violence" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_doubting_your_salvation_mean.htm">What does doubting your salvation mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_doubt_god's_existence.htm">Why does God allow so many of His followers to doubt His existence?</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>(2) When John had heard in the prison.--The position of the Baptist was so far that of a prisoner treated with respect. Herod himself observed him, and heard him gladly. Herodias had not yet found an occasion of revenge. His disciples came and went freely. Some of these we have seen (<a href="/matthew/9-14.htm" title="Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but your disciples fast not?">Matthew 9:14</a>) as present when our Lord was teaching, and certain to hear of such wonders as those narrated in Matthew 8, 9. He himself, in the prison of Machaerus, was languishing with the sickness of hope deferred for the Messianic kingdom, which he had proclaimed. His disciples brought back word of what they had seen and heard (<a href="/luke/7-18.htm" title="And the disciples of John showed him of all these things.">Luke 7:18</a>), and yet all things continued as before, and there was no deliverance either for himself or Israel. Under the influence of this disappointment, he sent his two disciples with the question which the next verse records.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 2-24. - JESUS THE ONE THAT SHOULD COME. (1) Vers. 2-6: The Baptist's question, and its answer: the Coming One has come. (2) Vers. 7-15: Jesus' recognition of the greatness of John as herald. (3) Vers. 16-19: Yet both John and he himself are rejected. . . . <a href="/commentaries/matthew/11-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Meanwhile, δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. John Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. heard ἀκούσας (akousas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. prison δεσμωτηρίῳ (desmōtēriō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1201.htm">Strong's 1201: </a> A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon. [about] the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. works ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. of τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Christ, Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [and] he sent πέμψας (pempsas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3992.htm">Strong's 3992: </a> To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth. two διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. of his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. disciples μαθητῶν (mathētōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 11:2 Now when John heard in the prison (Matt. 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