Matthew 17:11

KJV

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Elias {G2243} truly {G3303} shall first {G4412} come {G2064}, and {G2532} restore {G600} all things {G3956}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "On the one hand, Eliyahu is coming and will restore all things;

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.

American Standard Version

And he answered and said, Elijah indeed cometh, and shall restore all things:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 17:11 presents Jesus's direct affirmation to His disciples that Elijah is indeed destined to come first and "restore all things," a statement that immediately follows the Transfiguration and the disciples' inquiry about the scribal teaching concerning Elijah's advent before the Messiah. This verse serves as a crucial bridge, acknowledging the validity of Old Testament prophecy while subtly preparing the ground for Jesus's subsequent clarification regarding the specific fulfillment of this prophecy in the person and ministry of John the Baptist.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jesus is situated immediately after the profound experience of the Transfiguration, described in [Matthew 17:1-8](/matthew/17-1-8 "The Transfiguration of Jesus"). On the mountain, Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus glorified, conversing with Moses and Elijah. As they descended, the disciples, still processing this extraordinary event, questioned Jesus about the scribal teaching that Elijah must come before the Messiah ([Matthew 17:10](/matthew/17-10 "Disciples Question About Elijah")). Jesus's response in Matthew 17:11 directly addresses this query, setting the stage for His further clarification in [Matthew 17:12-13](/matthew/17-12-13 "Jesus Identifies John the Baptist as Elijah"), where He identifies John the Baptist as the fulfillment of this prophecy. This sequence highlights the interplay between Old Testament expectation, divine revelation, and its surprising fulfillment in Christ's era.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The expectation of Elijah's return was deeply ingrained in Jewish eschatological thought, primarily stemming from the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return"). This passage foretold Elijah's coming "before the great and dreadful day of the Lord" to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers." Many Jews anticipated a literal, bodily return of the prophet Elijah, who would serve as a precursor to the Messiah, preparing the nation for His arrival by calling them to repentance and spiritual revival. This belief was a common teaching among the scribes and Pharisees, influencing popular understanding of messianic signs. The disciples' question reflects this pervasive cultural and religious expectation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 17:11 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment**, affirming the veracity of Old Testament prophecies even as Jesus reinterprets their mode of fulfillment. Secondly, it highlights the **Preparatory Role** of figures like Elijah (and by extension, John the Baptist), whose ministry is to ready hearts for the advent of God's Kingdom. This "restoration" is primarily spiritual, turning people back to God's covenant. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Misconception vs. Divine Revelation**, as Jesus corrects the disciples' (and the scribes') literalistic interpretation of prophecy, revealing a deeper, more nuanced fulfillment through John the Baptist, who came "in the spirit and power of Elijah" as described in [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist's Ministry").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Elijah (אֵלִיָּה). In the Old Testament, Elijah was a powerful prophet who challenged idolatry and called Israel back to covenant faithfulness. His ministry was marked by miraculous deeds and a powerful confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel ([1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "Elijah on Mount Carmel")). The expectation of his return, as prophesied in [Malachi 4:5](/malachi/4-5 "Malachi 4:5"), made him a central figure in Jewish messianic hopes, believed to precede and prepare the way for the Messiah.
* **first (Greek, _prōton'_):** Derived from _prōtos_, meaning "firstly" in time, place, order, or importance. In this context, it emphasizes the chronological sequence: Elijah's coming is a prerequisite, an event that must occur _before_ the full revelation or work of the Messiah. Jesus affirms the established order of prophetic events, even as He redefines the identity of the "Elijah" figure.
* **restore (Greek, _apokathístēmi'_):** This verb means "to reconstitute (in health, home or organization)," "to restore," "reinstate," or "bring back to a former state." In the context of Elijah's mission, as outlined in [Malachi 4:6](/malachi/4-6 "Malachi 4:6"), this restoration is primarily spiritual and relational – "turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers." It signifies a moral and spiritual realignment, bringing people back into right relationship with God and with one another, preparing them for the Messiah's reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered and said unto them,"**: This opening clause establishes the conversational context, indicating that Jesus is responding directly to a question posed by His disciples. The disciples' query, recorded in [Matthew 17:10](/matthew/17-10 "The Disciples' Question"), concerned the scribal teaching about Elijah's necessary appearance before the Messiah. Jesus's response is thus a direct engagement with their theological understanding and a clarification of prophetic fulfillment.
* **"Elias truly shall first come,"**: Jesus unequivocally affirms the prophetic necessity of Elijah's coming. The word "truly" (Greek, _mén_) emphasizes the certainty and validity of this prophecy. Jesus does not dispute the Old Testament prediction or the scribal teaching that Elijah must precede the Messiah. Instead, He validates the prophetic pattern, setting the stage for His profound reinterpretation of _who_ this Elijah figure is.
* **"and restore all things."**: This phrase describes the essential mission of the coming Elijah. The "restoration" (Greek, _apokathístēmi_) is comprehensive, encompassing "all things" (Greek, _pâs_). This is not merely a physical restoration but a profound spiritual and moral renewal. It refers to the turning of hearts, the reconciliation of relationships, and the re-establishment of covenant faithfulness, preparing the people for the dawning of God's Kingdom and the full revelation of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 17:11 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Jesus directly addresses and affirms an Old Testament prophecy, specifically the one found in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah"). This verse functions as a **Clarification** or **Interpretation**, where Jesus, as the ultimate authority, provides the correct understanding of a widely held Jewish eschatological belief. His statement also contains a subtle **Allusion** to the broader narrative of Elijah's ministry and the expectation of his return, drawing on the rich biblical tradition. Furthermore, the phrase "restore all things" serves as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "all things" represents the comprehensive spiritual and moral renewal necessary for the advent of the Messiah, rather than a literal rebuilding of physical structures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 17:11 is a pivotal statement affirming the continuity and veracity of God's prophetic word while simultaneously preparing the disciples for a deeper understanding of its fulfillment. Jesus validates the Old Testament expectation of Elijah's preparatory role, thereby upholding the divine inspiration of the prophets. The "restoration of all things" speaks to a comprehensive spiritual renewal, a turning of hearts back to God, which is essential before the full manifestation of the Messiah's kingdom. This concept of preparation and spiritual reorientation is a recurring theme in biblical theology, emphasizing humanity's need for repentance and realignment with God's will before experiencing His redemptive work. The verse thus bridges the Old and New Covenants, demonstrating how God's plan unfolds precisely, though often in ways that transcend human expectations.

* [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return")
* [Matthew 11:13-14](/matthew/11-13-14 "Jesus Identifies John the Baptist as Elijah")
* [Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist's Ministry in the Spirit of Elijah")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 17:11 invites us to ponder the intricate ways in which God orchestrates His divine plan, often fulfilling ancient prophecies in unexpected yet perfect ways. It challenges us to look beyond literalistic interpretations and seek the deeper spiritual truths embedded within God's word. The concept of "restoring all things" through a preparatory ministry reminds us that God often prepares hearts and clears paths before bringing about significant spiritual shifts or divine interventions. For believers today, this means recognizing the ongoing need for spiritual restoration in our own lives and in the world around us. Are we open to God working through individuals or movements that may not fit our preconceived notions, yet are clearly preparing the way for His greater purposes? This verse encourages us to participate in this preparatory work, whether through repentance, reconciliation, or proclaiming the truth, so that hearts may be ready for Christ's presence and His Kingdom's advance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to interpret biblical prophecy—literally, spiritually, or both?**
* **In what ways does God "restore all things" in my personal life or in the broader community today?**
* **Am I willing to be a "preparer of the way," even if my role is not as grand as Elijah's or John the Baptist's?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "Elias" in this verse?**

Answer: "Elias" is the Greek name for the Old Testament prophet Elijah, a figure deeply revered in Jewish tradition. His significance in [Matthew 17:11](/matthew/17-11 "Matthew 17:11 - Jesus on Elijah's Coming") stems from the prophecy in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi's Prophecy of Elijah's Return"), which foretold his return before "the great and dreadful day of the Lord" to "restore all things" by turning the hearts of the people back to God. This made him a crucial figure in Jewish messianic expectations, believed to precede and prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus's affirmation here validates the prophecy itself, even as He later clarifies its fulfillment.

**How does "restore all things" relate to Elijah's mission?**

Answer: The phrase "restore all things" (Greek: _apokathístēmi_) describes the comprehensive nature of Elijah's preparatory mission. It refers primarily to a spiritual and moral restoration, not a physical rebuilding. As prophesied in [Malachi 4:6](/malachi/4-6 "Malachi 4:6"), Elijah's role was to "turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers," signifying a reconciliation and re-establishment of covenant faithfulness within the community. This spiritual reorientation was essential to prepare the people for the Messiah's arrival and the dawning of God's Kingdom. It implies a return to right relationship with God and one another, setting things in order before a major divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 17:11, though seemingly a simple affirmation of Old Testament prophecy, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While the disciples anticipated a literal return of Elijah, Jesus clarifies in the subsequent verses ([Matthew 17:12-13](/matthew/17-12-13 "Jesus Identifies John the Baptist as Elijah")) that John the Baptist was the "Elijah" who had already come "in the spirit and power of Elijah" ([Luke 1:17](/luke/1-17 "John the Baptist's Ministry")). John's ministry of repentance prepared the way for Jesus, the true Messiah, by calling people to a spiritual restoration and turning their hearts towards God's coming kingdom. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "restorer of all things," not merely in a preparatory sense, but in bringing about the New Covenant ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant Prophecy")) and inaugurating the Kingdom of God. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ provides the means for true spiritual restoration, reconciling humanity to God ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "Reconciliation Through Christ")) and ultimately promising a complete renewal of creation at His second coming ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "New Heavens and New Earth")). Thus, Elijah's preparatory role points directly to Christ, who fully embodies and accomplishes the comprehensive restoration that prophecy anticipated.

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

Acts 3:21

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Luke 1:16

And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.

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.

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.

Luke 3:3

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Luke 3:14

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse [any] falsely; and be content with your wages.