Matthew 11:9

9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:9 in Other Translations

9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.

9 What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear.

9 But wherefore went ye out? to see a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

9 "Really, what did you go to see? A prophet? Let me tell you that he is far more than a prophet.

9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.

9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:9 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:9

But what went ye out for to see?
&c.] Since it was not any thing so mean as a shaking reed, or so grand as a man in gay clothing, pray what was it you went out to see?

A prophet?
This was the truth of the matter, they expected to see a prophet, and they believed he was one; this was the common voice of the people; all held John to be a prophet. This made Herod afraid to put him to death, and the Pharisees to speak against his baptism: now, though this was giving him a great character, to believe and own him to be a prophet, yet it did not come up to his full character.

Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet;
when they saw him, they saw not only a prophet, but one that was greater, and more excellent than any of the prophets that went before him: they prophesied of the Messiah at a distance, and in words not so clear, and easy to be understood; they spoke of him as to come, but he pointed him out with his finger, and declared that he was come; he saw him himself, and showed him to others; he saw the Spirit of God descending on him, and he himself baptized him; his office, as the harbinger of Christ, and the administrator of the ordinance of baptism to him, gave him a preference to all the prophets; and was such an one, as never any man was vested with but himself.

Matthew 11:9 In-Context

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.

9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

10 This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 14:5; Matthew 21:26; Luke 1:76; Luke 7:26