Matthew 17:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}?

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Following the awe-inspiring event of the Transfiguration, Jesus' disciples, still processing the profound revelation and Jesus' subsequent command for silence, pose a critical question to Him. Their inquiry directly addresses a prominent rabbinic teaching of their time concerning the necessity of Elijah's prior return before the advent of the Messiah, revealing their struggle to reconcile this traditional expectation with the extraordinary reality of Jesus' identity and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and revelatory [Transfiguration of Jesus](/matthew/17-1-8 "Matthew 17:1-8 - The Transfiguration"). Peter, James, and John have just witnessed Jesus glorified, conversing with Moses and Elijah, and heard the Father's voice affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. As they descend from the mountain, Jesus instructs them to tell no one about what they have seen until the Son of Man has risen from the dead ([Matthew 17:9](/matthew/17-9 "Matthew 17:9 - Jesus' Command After the Transfiguration")). The disciples' question in [Matthew 17:10](/matthew/17-10 "Matthew 17:10 - Disciples' Question About Elijah") arises directly from this experience, particularly the appearance of Elijah, and their attempt to integrate it with prevailing Jewish eschatological expectations. Their minds are wrestling with the implications of Jesus' Messianic identity in light of prophetic tradition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The question posed by the disciples reflects a deeply ingrained Jewish belief, widely taught by the scribes and religious leaders, that the prophet Elijah must return before the Messiah's coming. This expectation was rooted in the prophecy found in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - 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 was interpreted literally by many, leading to the firm conviction that Elijah's physical reappearance was a necessary precursor to the Messianic age. The scribes (Greek: *grammateis*) were the authoritative interpreters of the Mosaic Law and the prophetic writings, and their teachings heavily influenced popular Jewish thought regarding Messianic expectations.
* **Key Themes:** The disciples' question in [Matthew 17:10](/matthew/17-10 "Matthew 17:10 - Disciples' Inquiry") is central to several significant themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Prophecy and Fulfillment**, as the disciples grapple with how Old Testament prophecies, specifically that of Elijah's return, are to be understood and fulfilled in Jesus' ministry. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Messianic Expectations**, revealing the common Jewish understanding of the Messiah's arrival, which often included specific preconditions like Elijah's return. The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' divine glory, are still processing how He fits into these preconceived notions. Thirdly, this exchange sets the stage for Jesus' clarification regarding **The Role of John the Baptist**, whom Jesus identifies as the fulfillment of the Elijah prophecy in spirit and power ([Matthew 17:11-13](/matthew/17-11-13 "Matthew 17:11-13 - Jesus Explains Elijah's Coming")), thereby reinterpreting the traditional understanding. Finally, it illustrates the **Disciples' Ongoing Learning Process**, showcasing their journey from traditional understanding to a deeper, Spirit-revealed comprehension of God's redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From γράμμα. a writer, i.e. (professionally) scribe or secretary:--scribe, town-clerk. In the context of the New Testament, these were highly educated Jewish scholars and legal experts who meticulously copied, interpreted, and taught the Mosaic Law and the prophetic writings. Their authority derived from their deep knowledge of scripture and tradition, and they were often seen as the custodians of orthodox Jewish belief. Their teaching on Elijah's necessary precursor role was widely accepted.
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías'_):** Of Hebrew origin (אֵלִיָּה); Helias (i.e. Elijah), an Israelite:--Elias. This refers to the Old Testament prophet Elijah, a figure of immense spiritual power and prophetic significance. His dramatic departure in a whirlwind ([2 Kings 2:11](/2_kings/2-11 "2 Kings 2:11 - Elijah Taken Up to Heaven")) fueled the expectation of his return, particularly as prophesied in Malachi, where he is depicted as preparing the way for the Lord.
* **Must (Greek, _deî'_):** 3rd person singular active present of δέω; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding):--behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need(-ful), ought, should. This word conveys a strong sense of divine necessity, obligation, or inevitability. The disciples' use of "must" indicates their understanding that Elijah's coming was not merely a possibility but a divinely ordained prerequisite for the Messiah's appearance, a teaching firmly held by the scribes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And his disciples asked him, saying,"**: This clause establishes the immediate context of the question. The disciples, having just descended from the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, are actively engaging with Him, seeking clarification on a point of theological tension. Their inquiry is direct and urgent, reflecting their earnest desire to understand the implications of what they have just witnessed.
* **"Why then say the scribes"**: This part of the question highlights the source of the disciples' perplexity: the authoritative teaching of the scribes. They are not questioning the scribes' authority directly, but rather seeking to reconcile the scribes' widely accepted doctrine with the reality of Jesus' Messianic identity, especially after seeing Elijah appear with Jesus. The "then" (οὖν, *oûn*) implies a logical consequence or a point of connection to their recent experience.
* **"that Elias must first come?"**: This is the core of their inquiry. It directly references the popular belief derived from [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return") that Elijah was required to precede the Messiah. The disciples are essentially asking: "If you are the Messiah, and we just saw Elijah, why do the scribes insist that Elijah *must* come *first* in a preparatory role, and what does that mean for your ministry now?"

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:10 employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Interrogation**, as the verse is framed as a direct question from the disciples to Jesus. This serves to advance the narrative by introducing a point of theological tension and paving the way for Jesus' clarifying teaching. There is also a strong element of **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecy, specifically [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which forms the basis of the scribes' teaching and the disciples' question. Furthermore, the scene carries a subtle **Dramatic Irony**. The disciples are asking about Elijah's coming as a future event, yet they have just seen Elijah on the mountain, and Jesus will soon reveal that Elijah's prophetic role has already been fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist, a truth not yet fully grasped by the disciples. This irony underscores the gap between traditional expectations and divine fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:10 serves as a pivotal moment in the disciples' understanding of prophecy and its fulfillment. It underscores that God's redemptive plan often unfolds in ways that transcend human expectations and traditional interpretations. The disciples, like many in their day, were bound by a literalistic understanding of the Malachi prophecy, expecting a physical return of Elijah before the Messiah. Jesus' subsequent explanation challenges this narrow view, revealing that prophetic fulfillment can occur in spirit and power rather than just in a literal, physical manifestation. This highlights a broader theological principle: discerning God's work requires spiritual insight beyond mere adherence to tradition, encouraging believers to seek a deeper understanding of His word and His ways.

* [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return")
* [Matthew 11:14](/matthew/11-14 "Matthew 11:14 - Jesus Identifies John as Elijah")
* [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist in the Spirit and Power of Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The disciples' question in Matthew 17:10 resonates deeply with the human tendency to hold onto preconceived notions, even in the face of new revelation. They had just witnessed Jesus' divine glory and the appearance of Elijah, yet their minds immediately reverted to a traditional teaching that seemed to contradict their present experience. This invites us to examine our own lives: how often do we allow our established beliefs, cultural norms, or even past experiences to limit our understanding of what God is doing or capable of doing? True spiritual growth often involves questioning our assumptions, being open to God's reinterpretation of His own word, and allowing Him to expand our theological frameworks. It reminds us that God's methods may not always align with our expectations, but His purposes are always perfect. Our journey of faith is one of continual learning, where humility and a willingness to be taught are paramount.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What preconceived notions or traditional understandings might I be holding onto that could be limiting my perception of God's work in my life or in the world today?**
* **How willing am I to allow God to challenge my assumptions and reinterpret what I thought I knew about His plans or methods?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a spirit of humble inquiry, like the disciples, to seek deeper understanding from God's word and His Spirit?**

### FAQ
**Why was the question about Elijah's coming so important to the disciples?**

Answer: The question was crucial because it touched upon a deeply held and widely taught Jewish Messianic expectation. According to the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), Elijah was prophesied to return before the "great and dreadful day of the Lord," which was understood by many to precede the coming of the Messiah. The scribes, as authoritative interpreters of the Law and prophets, strongly emphasized this teaching. Having just witnessed Jesus' Transfiguration and the appearance of Elijah, the disciples were trying to reconcile this traditional belief with Jesus' identity as the Messiah and the timing of Elijah's appearance. They were essentially asking: "If You are the Messiah, and we just saw Elijah, why do the scribes insist he *must* come *first* to prepare the way, and how does this fit with Your ministry?"

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:10, with the disciples' question about Elijah's necessary prior coming, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' subsequent explanation that John the Baptist was the "Elijah who was to come" ([Matthew 17:11-13](/matthew/17-11-13 "Matthew 17:11-13 - Jesus Identifies John as Elijah")). This reveals that the Old Testament prophecy of Elijah's return was not necessarily a literal, physical reappearance of the ancient prophet, but a spiritual fulfillment in the person and ministry of John the Baptist, who came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "Luke 1:17 - John the Baptist's Prophetic Role")). John's ministry, characterized by a call to repentance and preparation for the Messiah, truly prepared the way for Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Jesus, as the ultimate fulfillment of all prophecy, reinterprets and reorients the understanding of Old Testament expectations, demonstrating that His advent perfectly aligned with God's redemptive plan, even if it defied human preconceptions. He is the one whom Elijah (in John's person) announced, the one who brings the kingdom of God ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")) and ultimately offers salvation through His atoning work on the cross ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Ransom for Many")).

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:

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.