Luke 9:8

8 and of some men, that Elias had appeared; but of others, that one of the old prophets was risen.

Luke 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.

Luke 9:8 In-Context

6 And they went forth, and went about by castles, preaching [evangelizing] and healing every where.

7 And Herod [the] tetrarch heard all [the] things that were done of him, and he doubted, for that it was said of some men, that John was risen from death; [+Forsooth Herod, the fourth prince/prince of the fourth part, heard all the things that were done of him, and he doubted, for that it was said of some, for John hath risen from dead;]

8 and of some men, that Elias had appeared; but of others, that one of the old prophets was risen.

9 And Herod said, I have beheaded John; and who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him.

10 And the apostles turned again, and told to him all things that they had done. And he took them, and went beside into a desert place, that is Bethsaida [the which is called Bethsaida].