Luke 9:19

They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

They {G1161} answering {G611} said {G2036}, John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}; but {G1161} some {G243} say, Elias {G2243}; and {G1161} others {G243} say, that {G3754} one {G5100} of the old {G744} prophets {G4396} is risen again {G450}.

They answered, “Yochanan the Immerser; but others say Eliyahu, and others that some prophet of long ago has risen.”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that a prophet of old has arisen.”

And they answering said, John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Luke 9:19 records the disciples' report to Jesus concerning the public's varied opinions about His identity. This verse is part of a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, immediately preceding Peter's profound confession of Christ's true nature.

Context

This verse comes directly after Jesus asks His disciples, "Whom say the people that I am?" (Luke 9:18). The disciples' answers reflect the diverse and often confused public perception of Jesus during His earthly ministry. These popular theories highlight the spiritual anticipation and speculation prevalent in Jewish society regarding the coming of significant prophetic figures or the Messiah himself. This dialogue sets the stage for the disciples' own understanding, culminating in Peter's accurate declaration in the very next verse.

Key Themes

  • Misconceptions of Jesus' Identity: The various answers—John the Baptist, Elijah, or another old prophet—underscore the public's struggle to grasp who Jesus truly was. They recognized His power and prophetic authority but failed to see His divine Sonship.
  • Prophetic Expectation: The Jewish people eagerly anticipated the return of key prophetic figures. The mention of Elijah (Elias) reflects the prophecy in Malachi 4:5, which foretold his coming before the great day of the Lord. John the Baptist's ministry had also been seen in the spirit and power of Elijah.
  • Preparation for Revelation: The disciples' recounting of these popular but incomplete views serves as a backdrop against which Jesus would reveal deeper truths about His identity and mission, particularly His impending suffering and resurrection.

Historical and Cultural Context

The suggestions offered by the people were rooted in common Jewish beliefs and recent events:

  • John the Baptist: Recently executed by Herod, John was a highly revered prophet whose ministry had prepared the way for Jesus. Some believed Jesus was John risen from the dead (Mark 6:14-16), perhaps due to the similarities in their ministries of repentance and their bold declarations.
  • Elias (Elijah): Elijah was one of the most prominent prophets in Israel's history, known for his miracles and fiery ascension to heaven. The expectation of his return was strong, fueled by Malachi 4:5. Many looked for Elijah to return and announce the Messiah.
  • "One of the old prophets is risen again": This indicates a general belief that God might raise up a powerful prophet in the mold of Isaiah, Jeremiah, or others, to speak for Him and prepare for the Messianic age. This reflected a yearning for divine intervention and guidance after centuries of prophetic silence.

Linguistic Insights

The name Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Elijah. The phrase "risen again" (ἀνέστη, anestē) implies a return to life, a resurrection, though not necessarily in the same glorified sense as Jesus' own resurrection. It signifies a belief that a deceased prophet had literally come back or that a new prophet had emerged with the spirit and power of a past one.

Practical Application

This passage reminds us of the crucial difference between popular opinion and divine truth. While Jesus was recognized as a great teacher and prophet, the public's understanding was fundamentally limited. For us today, it underscores the importance of seeking a personal revelation of Jesus' true identity as the Christ, the Son of the living God, rather than relying solely on secondhand accounts or cultural perceptions. True understanding comes from God's revelation, as exemplified by Peter's confession in Luke 9:20.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 9:7

    Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;

  • Luke 9:8

    And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.

  • Malachi 4:5

    Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

  • Mark 6:15

    Others said, That it is Elias. And others said, That it is a prophet, or as one of the prophets.

  • John 1:21

    And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

  • Matthew 14:2

    And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.

  • John 7:40

    Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.

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