Lukas 9:8

8 by some also that Eliyahu Hanavi had appeared; but by others that some navi of the ancients arose.

Lukas 9:8 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 9:8

And of some, that Elias had appeared
Who had been translated, body and soul, to heaven, and whom the Jews expected a little before the coming of the Messiah:

and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again;
that is, one of the former prophets. It is well known, that the Jews distinguish the prophets into the former and latter; the books of the prophets of the Old Testament are so distinguished; the writings of the former prophets are those of Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 of Samuel, and the first and second of Kings: the latter prophets are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, which are the greater prophets, and the twelve lesser ones: and in the Talmud ^F17 it is asked,

``who are (Mynwvarh Myaybn) , "the former prophets?" Says R. Huna, they are David, Samuel, and Solomon--and why are they called former prophets? to except (or distinguish) them from Haggai, Zachariah, and Malachi, who are the latter.''

So that by one of the old prophets, may be meant one of those that were before the times of Elias, as Samuel or David.

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FOOTNOTES:

F17 T. Bab. Sota, fol. 48. 2.

Lukas 9:8 In-Context

6 And they departed and were itinerating throughout the shtetlach, preaching the Besuras HaGeulah and healing everywhere.

7 Now Herod the Tetrarch heard all the things happening and he was perplexed because it was said by some that Yochanan had experienced his Techiyah from HaMesim and come back;

8 by some also that Eliyahu Hanavi had appeared; but by others that some navi of the ancients arose.

9 But Herod said, Yochanan I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things? And he was seeking to see him.

10 And having returned, Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach’s Shlichim told him what things they did. And having taken them for a yechidus, Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach withdrew to a shtetl being called Beit-Tzaidah.