Matthew 17:10

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

And {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} asked {G1905} him {G846}, saying {G3004}, Why {G5101} then {G3767} say {G3004} the scribes {G1122} that {G3754} Elias {G2243} must {G1163} first {G4412} come {G2064}?

The talmidim asked him, "Then why do the Torah-teachers say that Eliyahu must come first?"

The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

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

Matthew 17:10 records a crucial question from Jesus' disciples immediately following the event of the Transfiguration. Having just witnessed Moses and Elijah appear with Jesus, and then hearing Jesus command them not to tell anyone until He was risen from the dead, their minds turned to a popular theological teaching of their day.

Context

This verse is set just after Jesus, Peter, James, and John descend from the mountain where the Transfiguration took place. The disciples were processing a profound spiritual experience and likely grappling with Jesus' earlier predictions of His suffering and resurrection. The question about Elijah's prior coming reflects a common rabbinic teaching, based on Old Testament prophecy, that the prophet Elijah would return before the Messiah to prepare the way.

Key Themes

  • Prophecy and Fulfillment: The core of the disciples' question lies in understanding how Old Testament prophecies, particularly those concerning Elijah's return (e.g., Malachi 4:5-6), would be fulfilled.
  • Messianic Expectations: Jewish tradition widely held that Elijah would precede the Messiah. The disciples, having seen Jesus' glory, are trying to reconcile this belief with their current reality and Jesus' identity.
  • The Role of John the Baptist: Unbeknownst to them, or perhaps not fully understood, Jesus would soon clarify that John the Baptist had already fulfilled this prophetic role in spirit and power (Luke 1:17).
  • Disciples' Learning Process: This question highlights the disciples' ongoing journey of understanding Jesus' identity, mission, and the true nature of God's kingdom, often challenging their preconceived notions and traditional teachings.

Linguistic Insights

The name Elias is the Greek form of the Hebrew prophet Elijah. The 'scribes' (Greek: grammateis) were expert interpreters of the Jewish Law and traditions, often responsible for teaching and preserving religious knowledge. Their emphasis on Elijah's literal return was a significant part of the theological landscape Jesus and His disciples navigated, shaping popular Messianic expectations.

Practical Application

This exchange teaches us about the nature of prophecy fulfillment. God's plans often unfold in ways that differ from human expectations or traditional interpretations. Just as Elijah's return was fulfilled in the person and ministry of John the Baptist (as Jesus explains in Matthew 17:11-13), so too can spiritual truths manifest in unexpected forms. It encourages believers to look beyond conventional wisdom and seek a deeper understanding of God's word, trusting in His sovereign timing and methods. It also reminds us that true understanding often comes through a process of questioning, seeking, and receiving divine revelation.

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.

  • Malachi 4:5

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

  • Malachi 4:6

    And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

  • Matthew 11:14

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

  • John 1:25

    And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

  • Matthew 17:3

    And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

  • Matthew 17:4

    Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

  • 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.

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