Matthew 11:14

KJV

And if ye will receive [it], this is Elias, which was for to come.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} if {G1487} ye will {G2309} receive {G1209} it, this {G846} is {G2076} Elias {G2243}, which {G3588} was for {G3195} to come {G2064}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Indeed, if you are willing to accept it, he is Eliyahu, whose coming was predicted.

Berean Standard Bible

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

American Standard Version

And if ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, that is to come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:14 presents Jesus' profound declaration identifying John the Baptist as the long-anticipated Elijah prophesied to precede the Messiah's arrival. This statement, conditional upon the audience's receptiveness, underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in John's ministry, bridging the covenants and highlighting the necessity of spiritual discernment to grasp God's unfolding redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus follows a significant exchange between Him and the disciples of John the Baptist. John, imprisoned, sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Art thou he that should come, or look we for another?" [Matthew 11:3](/matthew/11-3 "Matthew 11:3 - John's Question to Jesus"). Jesus responded by pointing to His miraculous works, which fulfilled messianic prophecies, rather than a direct affirmation of His identity [Matthew 11:4-5](/matthew/11-4-5 "Matthew 11:4-5 - Jesus' Answer to John's Disciples"). After John's disciples departed, Jesus turned to the crowds and began to speak extensively about John, praising his unique role and status as "more than a prophet" [Matthew 11:9](/matthew/11-9 "Matthew 11:9 - John, More Than a Prophet"). It is within this discourse, immediately after affirming John's unparalleled position as the messenger preparing the way, that Jesus makes the striking identification of John with Elijah, culminating His teaching on John's significance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish people in Jesus' time held a strong expectation of Elijah's return before the advent of the Messiah. This expectation was deeply rooted in the prophecy found in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which states, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD." This prophecy fueled a fervent hope that Elijah would appear to prepare the nation for the Messiah's arrival, turning hearts back to God. The appearance of John the Baptist, with his ascetic lifestyle, prophetic preaching, and call to repentance, resonated strongly with the popular image of Elijah, yet his humble appearance and lack of overt miraculous signs might have made his identification with the revered prophet challenging for some to accept.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in this verse and its immediate context is the **fulfillment of prophecy**. Jesus explicitly states that John the Baptist is the "Elias, which was for to come," directly linking John's ministry to the Old Testament expectation of Elijah's return. This highlights God's faithfulness in bringing His promises to fruition, often in unexpected ways. Another crucial theme is **spiritual discernment and receptivity**. The phrase "And if ye will receive [it]" underscores that this truth is not self-evident to all; it requires an openness of heart and mind to perceive God's work. It implies a choice to believe and understand, contrasting with a superficial or literalistic interpretation of prophecy. Finally, the verse emphasizes **John the Baptist's unique role** as the divinely appointed forerunner, the messenger prophesied in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"), who prepares the way for the Messiah, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _déchomai_):** This verb signifies to "accept," "welcome," or "take" something, often implying a willing and active reception rather than a passive one. In this context, it speaks to a spiritual acceptance or understanding of Jesus' teaching regarding John's identity. It suggests that this truth is not universally obvious but requires a receptive heart and mind to grasp.
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Elijah, the great prophet of the Old Testament. By identifying John with Elias, Jesus is not suggesting a literal reincarnation but rather that John fulfills the prophetic role and spirit of Elijah, particularly in his mission to prepare the way for the Lord, as foretold in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5 - Elijah's Prophecy").
* **was for to come (Greek, _méllō érchomai_):** This phrase, combining "to intend" or "to be about to" (_méllō_) with "to come" (_érchomai_), denotes a future event that is imminent or destined to occur. Here, it refers to the prophesied coming of Elijah, emphasizing that his arrival was a divinely appointed and expected event in salvation history, now realized in John the Baptist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if ye will receive [it]":** This opening clause presents a crucial condition for understanding Jesus' subsequent statement. The phrase "if ye will receive it" (εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι) highlights the necessity of spiritual receptivity and willingness to accept a truth that might challenge preconceived notions. It implies that while the identification is true, not everyone will have the spiritual insight or openness to grasp it. It is an invitation to discernment, acknowledging that some may choose not to accept this profound revelation.
* **"this is Elias":** This is the core declaration of the verse. Jesus unequivocally identifies John the Baptist as "Elias" (Elijah). This is not a statement of literal reincarnation but rather a profound theological identification. John fulfills the prophetic role and spirit of Elijah, particularly in his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah, as foretold in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return"). John embodies the eschatological Elijah who was to precede the "great and dreadful day of the LORD."
* **"which was for to come":** This final clause reinforces the prophetic fulfillment aspect of Jesus' statement. It refers to the long-awaited and prophesied return of Elijah. By adding "which was for to come," Jesus confirms that John's ministry is the actualization of that specific Old Testament expectation, underscoring the continuity of God's redemptive plan from prophecy to fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:14 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Identification**, where Jesus directly equates John the Baptist with the prophesied Elijah. This is a powerful rhetorical move that reinterprets a popular eschatological expectation through the lens of John's contemporary ministry. The verse also features a **Conditional Statement** with "And if ye will receive [it]," which places the onus of understanding and acceptance on the audience. This highlights the theme of spiritual discernment and the personal choice involved in believing profound spiritual truths. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism**, as John the Baptist serves as the symbolic fulfillment of Elijah, embodying his spirit and power, rather than a literal return of the historical prophet. This symbolic connection bridges the Old and New Testaments, demonstrating the unfolding of God's plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:14 stands as a pivotal statement on the fulfillment of prophecy and the nature of God's redemptive plan. It reveals that God's promises are not merely abstract future events but are concretely realized in history, often in ways that defy human expectations. John the Baptist, in his role as the "Elias who was for to come," serves as the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, directly ushering in the New. This verse underscores the continuity between the Old Testament's prophetic anticipation and the New Testament's historical realization in Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing God's work even when it doesn't align with preconceived notions, and to embrace the truth that God's timing and methods are perfect.

* [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return")
* [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist in the Spirit and Power of Elijah")
* [Matthew 17:10-13](/matthew/17-10-13 "Matthew 17:10-13 - Jesus Clarifies John's Identity as Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:14 invites us to a deeper understanding of God's sovereign plan and our role in receiving His truth. Just as the people of Jesus' day were called to discern John's unique, unexpected fulfillment of prophecy, we too are called to cultivate spiritual openness and discernment in our own lives. God continues to work in ways that may not fit our expectations, using unexpected people and circumstances to advance His kingdom. This verse challenges us to look beyond the superficial, to seek the spiritual meaning and divine purpose behind events and individuals. It reminds us that embracing God's truth often requires a willingness to let go of our own preconceived notions and to humbly receive what He reveals. Our receptivity to God's Word and His messengers is crucial for our spiritual growth and for participating in His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions might prevent me from "receiving" or understanding God's truth in unexpected ways today?**
* **How can I cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize God's work and His messengers in my own life and in the world around me?**
* **In what ways does John the Baptist's ministry, as the forerunner, inspire me to prepare my own heart or others' hearts for Christ?**

### FAQ

**Does Matthew 11:14 mean Elijah was literally reincarnated as John the Baptist?**

Answer: No, Matthew 11:14 does not teach reincarnation. When Jesus says "this is Elias," He is identifying John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which foretold that Elijah would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The angel Gabriel had already prophesied to John's father, Zechariah, that John would go forth "in the spirit and power of Elias" [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John's Spirit and Power"). This means John embodied the prophetic zeal, courage, and preparatory ministry of Elijah, preparing the way for the Messiah, rather than being the literal historical Elijah reborn. Jesus Himself clarifies this further after the Transfiguration in [Matthew 17:10-13](/matthew/17-10-13 "Matthew 17:10-13 - Jesus Clarifies John as Elijah"), stating that "Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed," explicitly referring to John the Baptist.

**What is the significance of the phrase "if ye will receive it"?**

Answer: The phrase "if ye will receive [it]" (εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι) highlights the conditional nature of understanding and accepting this profound truth. It implies that while John's identity as the prophesied Elijah is a divine reality, it is not forced upon anyone. Rather, it requires spiritual insight, openness, and a willingness to believe what Jesus is revealing, even if it challenges popular or literalistic interpretations of prophecy. It underscores the theme of spiritual discernment, inviting the audience to actively choose to accept this revelation rather than passively observing it. This conditional statement acknowledges that not everyone will grasp or agree with this identification, emphasizing the importance of a receptive heart to divine truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:14, by identifying John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah, points directly to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. John's ministry, "in the spirit and power of Elias," was entirely preparatory, making "ready a people prepared for the Lord" [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John Prepares the Way"). He was the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, whose purpose was to bridge the gap between the Law and the Gospel, testifying to the one who would come after him, "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). John's role as the forerunner underscores the supreme significance of Jesus Christ, for whom he prepared the way. The "Elias who was for to come" was not an end in himself, but the divinely appointed herald of the King. Thus, the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy in John ultimately serves to magnify Christ, confirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, the one who brings the New Covenant and eternal salvation, fulfilling all the Law and the Prophets [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). The "great and dreadful day of the LORD" that Elijah was to precede is ultimately the day of Christ's first coming, bringing both judgment and salvation, and His second coming, when He will return in glory to fully establish His kingdom [Acts 1:11](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - Jesus' Return").

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 4:5

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

Mark 9:11

And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Mark 9:13

But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.

Matthew 17:10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Matthew 17:13

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Luke 1:17

And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

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.