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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/17.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them about John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood Jesus was talking to them about John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was talking about John the Baptizer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he had been speaking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He was speaking to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Immerser.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/17.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Then understood the disciples that concerning John the Baptist he spake to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Then understood the disciples that he told them of John the Baptist.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood, that he had spoken to them of John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he had spoken to them about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that what he had told them was about John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/17.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them about Yohannan The Baptizer.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/17.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Then, the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Immerser.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/17.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them concerning John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/17.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then understood the disciples that he spake to them of John the Baptist.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/17.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />then the disciples perceiv'd, that what he said was meant of John the Baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/17.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Then it dawned upon the disciples that it was John the Baptist about whom He had spoken to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/17.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spake to them concerning John the Immerser.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/17.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Then the disciples understood that He spake to them of John the baptist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/17-13.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=4905" 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/17.htm">The Transfiguration</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>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.” <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: synēkan (V-AIA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">understood</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">He was speaking</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to them</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/910.htm" title="910: Baptistou (N-GMS) -- From baptizo; a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner.">Baptist.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">14</span>When they came to the crowd, a man came up to Jesus and knelt before Him.…<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/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5-6</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-13.htm">Matthew 11:13-14</a></span><br />For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. / And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.<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/1-17.htm">Luke 1:17</a></span><br />And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-21.htm">John 1:21</a></span><br />“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-1.htm">Matthew 14:1-12</a></span><br />At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus / and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” / Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a></span><br />“He was a hairy man,” they answered, “with a leather belt around his waist.” “It was Elijah the Tishbite,” said the king.<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="/matthew/16-14.htm">Matthew 16:14</a></span><br />They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-11.htm">Matthew 21:11</a></span><br />The crowds replied, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”<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="/luke/9-7.htm">Luke 9:7-9</a></span><br />When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7-10</a></span><br />As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? / 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. / 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/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-9</a></span><br />After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptist.</p><p class="hdg">the disciples.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/11-14.htm">Matthew 11:14</a></b></br> And if ye will receive <i>it</i>, this is Elias, which was for to come.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/16-14.htm">Baptist</a> <a href="/matthew/16-14.htm">Baptizer</a> <a href="/matthew/4-16.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/matthew/17-10.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/matthew/16-12.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Baptist</a> <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Baptizer</a> <a href="/titus/3-4.htm">Dawned</a> <a href="/matthew/17-16.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/matthew/21-45.htm">Understood</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">The transfiguration of Jesus.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-14.htm">He heals the boy with a demon,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-22.htm">foretells his own passion,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">and pays tribute.</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the disciples understood</b><br>This phrase indicates a moment of realization and comprehension for the disciples. Throughout the Gospels, the disciples often struggle to grasp the full meaning of Jesus' teachings and actions. This moment of understanding is significant as it shows their growing insight into Jesus' mission and the fulfillment of prophecy. It reflects the gradual unveiling of spiritual truths to those who follow Christ closely.<p><b>that He was speaking to them</b><br>Jesus often spoke in parables and used symbolic language, which required discernment to understand. Here, the disciples recognize that Jesus is directly addressing them, emphasizing the importance of personal revelation and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to truth. This interaction highlights the intimate teacher-student relationship between Jesus and His disciples.<p><b>about John the Baptist.</b><br>John the Baptist is identified as the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Elijah's return, as mentioned in <a href="/malachi/4-5.htm">Malachi 4:5-6</a>. This connection is crucial because it underscores John's role in preparing the way for the Messiah, as foretold in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>. John’s ministry of repentance and baptism set the stage for Jesus' own ministry. The recognition of John as the "Elijah" who was to come confirms the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in the New Testament narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure of the New Testament, who is revealing the truth about John the Baptist to His disciples.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a></b><br>Followers of Jesus who are learning and growing in their understanding of His teachings and the fulfillment of prophecy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a></b><br>A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, fulfilling the role of Elijah as prophesied in the Old Testament.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_of_transfiguration.htm">Mount of Transfiguration</a></b><br>The event preceding this verse where Jesus is transfigured and Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the Law and the Prophets.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/elijah.htm">Elijah</a></b><br>An Old Testament prophet whose return was prophesied as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophecy_fulfillment.htm">Understanding Prophecy Fulfillment</a></b><br>Recognize how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, deepening our faith in the reliability of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/role_of_john_the_baptist.htm">Role of John the Baptist</a></b><br>Appreciate the significance of John the Baptist's ministry as a preparatory work for Christ, emphasizing the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_insight_and_growth.htm">Spiritual Insight and Growth</a></b><br>Like the disciples, we are called to grow in understanding through Jesus' teachings, seeking clarity and wisdom in our walk with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_revelation.htm">The Importance of Revelation</a></b><br>God reveals truths progressively; we must remain open and attentive to His guidance and teaching.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/connection_to_the_old_testament.htm">Connection to the Old Testament</a></b><br>Study the Old Testament to see how it points to Christ, enriching our understanding of the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_the_apostles_die.htm">What were the causes of the apostles' deaths?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_jesus_speak_secretly_or_openly.htm">Did Jesus speak secretly? John 18:20 says no, but Mark 4:34 and Matthew 13:10-11 suggest he explained parables privately to his disciples.</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_tell_his_disciples.htm">What did Jesus instruct his disciples? 'Tell my brethren to go to Galilee' (Matthew 28:10) and 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father' (John 20:17).</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_if_i_doubt_my_salvation.htm">What if I doubt my salvation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) <span class= "bld">Then the disciples understood.</span>--The words are suggestive both as indicating the conclusion in which they ultimately rested, and the frankness with which they owned how slowly they had passed from the literalism of the scribes to a true apprehension of the spiritual meaning of the prophecy in question.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then the disciples</span> <span class="cmt_word">understood.</span> Though Jesus had said publicly concerning John, "This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face," and, "This is Elias which was for to come" (<a href="/matthew/11-10.htm">Matthew 11:10, 14</a>); and though the angel Gabriel, in announcing his birth, had avowed that he should "go before the Christ in the spirit and power of Elias" (<a href="/luke/1-17.htm">Luke 1:17</a>), the apostles hitherto had not taken to heart the truth thus conveyed. Indeed, it was something quite new that they should thus at once apprehend Christ's meaning, so slow were they of faith, so unintelligent in appreciating the full signification of their Master's instructions. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/17-13.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">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disciples</span><br /><span class="grk">μαθηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(mathētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">understood</span><br /><span class="grk">συνῆκαν</span> <span class="translit">(synēkan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He was speaking</span><br /><span class="grk">εἶπεν</span> <span class="translit">(eipen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> </span><span class="str2">Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about</span><br /><span class="grk">περὶ</span> <span class="translit">(peri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> </span><span class="str2">From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">John</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰωάννου</span> <span class="translit">(Iōannou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Baptist.</span><br /><span class="grk">Βαπτιστοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Baptistou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_910.htm">Strong's 910: </a> </span><span class="str2">From baptizo; a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/17-13.htm">Matthew 17:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/17-13.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 17:13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke (Matt. 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