Matthew 11:10

KJV

For this is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G3778} is {G2076} he, of {G4012} whom {G3739} it is written {G1125}, Behold {G2400}, I {G1473} send {G649} my {G3450} messenger {G32} before {G4253} thy {G4675} face {G4383}, which {G3739} shall prepare {G2680} thy {G4675} way {G3598} before {G1715} thee {G4675}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is the one about whom the Tanakh says, `See, I am sending out my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.'

Berean Standard Bible

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.’

American Standard Version

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:10 records Jesus' authoritative declaration concerning John the Baptist, identifying him as the divinely appointed messenger prophesied in the Old Testament. This verse, a direct quotation from Malachi 3:1, underscores John's unparalleled role as the forerunner whose mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah's public ministry, thereby validating both John's unique position in God's redemptive plan and Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' discourse about John the Baptist, which immediately follows John's disciples' inquiry regarding Jesus' identity (cf. [Matthew 11:2-3](/matthew/11-2-3 "John's Disciples Question Jesus")). Jesus uses this moment not only to affirm John's status as a prophet but to elevate him to a unique position beyond all prophets, citing ancient prophecy as evidence. The preceding verses ([Matthew 11:7-9](/matthew/11-7-9 "Jesus' Praise of John the Baptist")) highlight John's steadfastness and prophetic stature, setting the stage for this climactic identification. The quotation from Malachi serves as a powerful theological anchor, demonstrating the continuity and fulfillment of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament into the New.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, it was customary for a king or dignitary to send a herald or advance party ahead of their arrival. This "messenger" would clear the roads, remove obstacles, and announce the coming of the dignitary, ensuring a smooth and grand entrance. This cultural practice provides a vivid backdrop for understanding John's role: he was the divine herald, sent to prepare the spiritual "way" for the King of kings. Furthermore, the Jewish people of Jesus' day were deeply familiar with the prophetic writings, especially those concerning the Messiah and His forerunner. The prophecy in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger") would have resonated strongly, signaling the imminence of God's decisive intervention in history.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 11:10 powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphasizes **Prophecy Fulfilled**, showcasing God's meticulous plan unfolding precisely as foretold in the Old Testament, particularly through the connection to [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger") and [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness"). This fulfillment validates the divine origin of the Scriptures and solidifies Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Secondly, it highlights **John the Baptist's Unique Role** as the specific "messenger" designated to precede the Messiah, distinguishing him from all other prophets (cf. [Matthew 11:11](/matthew/11-11 "Jesus' Statement on John's Greatness")). His mission to "prepare thy way" involved calling people to repentance and baptizing them, thereby setting the spiritual and moral stage for Jesus' public ministry (cf. [Matthew 3:1-6](/matthew/3-1-6 "John the Baptist's Ministry")). Lastly, the verse underscores **Divine Orchestration**, revealing God's sovereign hand in history, meticulously arranging events and appointing individuals like John to fulfill crucial roles in His overarching plan of salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **messenger (Greek, _ángelos'_):** G32. While often translated as "angel," this term broadly means one who is sent, an envoy, or a human messenger. In this context, Jesus explicitly applies it to John the Baptist, identifying him as God's chosen herald for the Messiah's arrival.
* **send (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** G649. This verb signifies being "set apart" and "sent out," often on a specific mission. Here, it emphasizes the divine initiative behind John's ministry; he was not a self-appointed prophet but one commissioned by God Himself.
* **prepare (Greek, _kataskeuázō'_):** G2680. This word means to "prepare thoroughly," often implying external equipment or construction. It suggests a comprehensive clearing and readying of the path, going beyond mere internal readiness (as implied by _hetoimazō_). John's work involved a radical call to repentance and baptism, actively making people ready for the Messiah.
* **way (Greek, _hodós'_):** G3598. Literally a "road," this term figuratively refers to a "progress," "route," or "mode/means." In this prophetic context, it symbolizes the spiritual and moral readiness of the people to receive the Messiah and His kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is [he], of whom it is written":** Jesus authoritatively introduces the Old Testament prophecy, asserting that John the Baptist is the direct fulfillment of what was foretold. The phrase "it is written" (G1125, _gráphō_) signifies the divine inspiration and authority of the prophetic word, confirming that John's role is not coincidental but part of God's pre-ordained plan.
* **"Behold, I send my messenger before thy face":** This clause, directly quoted from [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger"), reveals the divine sender ("I send") and the purpose of the messenger. The "I" refers to God the Father, who commissions John. "My messenger" (G32, _ángelos_) highlights John's unique status as God's personal envoy. "Before thy face" (G4253, _pró_ and G4383, _prósōpon_) emphasizes the close proximity and direct relationship between the messenger and the one for whom the way is being prepared—namely, Jesus.
* **"which shall prepare thy way before thee":** This final clause defines the specific mission of the messenger. "Prepare thy way" (G2680, _kataskeuázō_ and G3598, _hodós_) evokes the ancient practice of clearing a path for an approaching dignitary. Spiritually, John's ministry of repentance and baptism was designed to remove the obstacles of sin and spiritual apathy from people's hearts, making them receptive to the Messiah and His message. "Before thee" (G1715, _émprosthen_ and G4675, _soû_) reiterates the direct and preparatory nature of John's work in relation to Jesus.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:10 primarily employs **Quotation** and **Allusion**. Jesus directly quotes [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger"), thereby establishing a direct link between Old Testament prophecy and its New Testament fulfillment in John the Baptist. This act of quoting serves to validate John's ministry and, by extension, Jesus' own messianic identity, demonstrating the coherent unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The phrase "prepare thy way" also functions as **Symbolism**, drawing on the cultural practice of preparing a literal road for a king's arrival to symbolize the spiritual preparation of hearts for the Messiah. This imagery is also an **Allusion** to [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness"), further enriching the prophetic context. The verse also contains **Foreshadowing**, as John's preparatory work directly anticipates and paves the way for Jesus' public ministry, miracles, and ultimately, His atoning work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:10 is a profound theological statement on God's faithfulness, the coherence of His redemptive plan, and the unique role of John the Baptist. It affirms that God is sovereign over history, meticulously orchestrating events and raising up individuals to fulfill His purposes. The direct quotation from Malachi underscores the unity of the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating that the God of Israel is the same God who sent Jesus Christ. John's ministry, though distinct, was inextricably linked to Christ's, serving as the necessary prelude to the dawning of the Kingdom of God. This verse highlights that salvation history is not a series of disconnected events but a divinely guided narrative culminating in Christ.

* [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger")
* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah's Prophecy of the Voice in the Wilderness")
* [Luke 7:27](/luke/7-27 "Jesus' Affirmation of John")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:10 serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous planning and unwavering faithfulness across generations. Just as John the Baptist was called to prepare the way for Jesus' first coming, we, as believers, are called to participate in preparing hearts for Christ's ongoing reign in the world and His ultimate return. This involves a commitment to repentance in our own lives, clearing away the "obstacles" of sin and self-reliance that hinder our spiritual growth. It also calls us to actively share the Gospel, inviting others to turn to Christ and be reconciled to God, thereby "preparing their way" to encounter the Savior. Our lives, words, and actions should point to Jesus, making His path clear in a world often cluttered with distractions and spiritual apathy. We are to be messengers, not drawing attention to ourselves, but faithfully heralding the good news of the One who is to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I need to "prepare my way" for a deeper relationship with Christ in my own life?**
* **How can I, as a follower of Christ, effectively "prepare the way" for others to encounter Jesus in my sphere of influence?**
* **What "obstacles" (spiritual, emotional, or practical) might hinder people from receiving the message of Christ today, and how can I help remove them?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "messenger" mentioned in Matthew 11:10?**

Answer: The "messenger" is unequivocally identified by Jesus as John the Baptist. This is confirmed by Jesus' direct reference to the prophecy in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi's Prophecy of the Messenger"), which foretold the coming of a forerunner who would prepare the way for the Lord. John's entire ministry, characterized by his call to repentance and baptism in the Jordan, served this precise purpose, making him the divinely appointed herald for the Messiah.

**What does it mean to "prepare thy way before thee" in this context?**

Answer: To "prepare thy way before thee" refers to the spiritual and moral readiness of people to receive Jesus and His message. Drawing on the ancient practice of a herald clearing a physical path for an approaching king, John's ministry aimed to clear the spiritual obstacles in people's hearts. This involved calling them to repentance from sin, a turning away from unrighteousness, and a readiness to embrace the coming Kingdom of God. John's baptism symbolized this cleansing and commitment, making the people receptive to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:10, in its declaration of John as the prophesied forerunner, points directly to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. John's mission was not an end in itself, but a divinely ordained prelude to the arrival of the Messiah. He prepared the "way" for Jesus, who is not merely a king arriving on a cleared path, but the very [Way, the Truth, and the Life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way") Himself. John's baptism of repentance foreshadowed the ultimate cleansing from sin that would come through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. The messenger's role was to decrease so that the Messiah might increase (cf. [John 3:30](/john/3-30 "John the Baptist's Testimony about Jesus")), highlighting that all prophetic fulfillment and preparatory work ultimately culminates in Jesus. He is the one for whom the way was prepared, the one who inaugurates the Kingdom of God (cf. [Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Jesus Begins His Ministry")), and the one who offers eternal life to all who believe (cf. [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, John's ministry, as described in Matthew 11:10, serves as a powerful testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the central figure of God's salvation history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Malachi 3:1

¶ Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 40:3

¶ The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Malachi 4:5

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

Mark 1:2

As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Luke 7:26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Luke 7:27

This is [he], of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

John 1:23

He said, I [am] the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.