Luke 7:19

¶ And John calling [unto him] two of his disciples sent [them] to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And {G2532} John {G2491} calling {G4341} unto him two {G1417}{G5100} of his {G846} disciples {G3101} sent {G3992} them to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}, saying {G3004}, Art {G1488} thou {G4771} he that should come {G2064}? or {G2228} look we for {G4328} another {G243}?

and sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come? Or should we look for someone else?"

So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to the Lord, saying, Art thou he that cometh, or look we for another?

Commentary

Context of Luke 7:19

This verse finds John the Baptist, who is now imprisoned by King Herod (Luke 3:20), sending two of his disciples to Jesus. John has been hearing reports of Jesus's powerful works, including healings and even raising the dead (Luke 7:11-15). The question posed, "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?", seems surprising given John's earlier definitive declarations about Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29) and the Son of God (John 1:34). Scholars suggest a few reasons for this inquiry: perhaps John was sending his disciples to Jesus for their own benefit, to solidify their faith by seeing Jesus's ministry firsthand; or perhaps John himself, facing despair in prison and expecting a more forceful, judgmental Messiah who would "lay the axe unto the root" (Matthew 3:10), was wrestling with the gentle, healing nature of Jesus's earthly ministry.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Messianic Expectation: The core of John's question directly addresses the identity of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. The phrase "he that should come" (Greek: ho erchomenos) was a widely recognized Messianic title, referring to the prophesied deliverer of Israel.
  • Doubt and Human Struggle: This verse beautifully illustrates that even great figures of faith like John the Baptist can experience moments of doubt, confusion, or impatience when God's plan doesn't align with their expectations. It humanizes John and shows the reality of spiritual struggle.
  • Verification Through Works: John's question sets the stage for Jesus to confirm His identity not with a direct "yes," but by pointing to His miraculous works and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, especially concerning the poor and marginalized (Luke 7:22).

Linguistic Insight

The Greek phrase "ὁ ἐρχόμενος" (ho erchomenos), translated "he that should come," literally means "the coming one." This was a common and significant title used in Jewish thought to refer to the promised Anointed One or Messiah. John's use of this specific term highlights the deep Messianic anticipation prevalent in the culture of the time.

Practical Application

Luke 7:19 offers several timeless lessons:

  • It's Okay to Question: This passage grants permission for believers to wrestle with questions, even about the nature and timing of God's work. John, a prophet of God, sought clarity directly from Jesus.
  • Look to Jesus's Actions: When faced with uncertainty, we are called to examine Jesus's character and His works, which consistently demonstrate His divine authority and love. His actions are His strongest testimony.
  • Trust God's Plan Over Our Expectations: Our preconceived notions of how God should act or what His kingdom should look like may differ from His actual methods. This verse encourages us to trust God's perfect timing and unconventional ways, even when they lead to personal discomfort or confusion.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 110:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

  • Psalms 110:4 (2 votes)

    The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

  • Jeremiah 23:5 (2 votes)

    Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

  • Jeremiah 23:6 (2 votes)

    In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

  • Isaiah 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

  • Isaiah 40:10 (2 votes)

    Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Isaiah 40:11 (2 votes)

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.