Matthew 11:13

13 For all [the] prophets and the law till John prophesied;

Matthew 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
] These words are to be considered in connection with ( Matthew 11:11 ) and are a further proof of John's being greater than any of the prophets; because all the inspired writers and prophets, who were before him, prophesied of the Messiah as to come; and either spoke of him in obscure terms, or represented him under dark shadows and figures: whereas John spake of him as already come, and in plain terms, and directed to his very person; and since his time, there have been no prophecies concerning the Messiah and his kingdom; vision and prophecy are now sealed up; all which are acknowledged by the Jews themselves, who ^F2 say, (xyvmh twmyl ala wabntn al zlwk Myaybnh lk) , "all the prophets did not prophesy but to, or of the days of the Messiah". This was the subject, and these the limits of their prophecies; for they own ^F3, that

``from the day that the temple was destroyed, (yaybnh Nm) (hawbn hlyjb) , "prophecy was taken away from the prophets".''

Since that time, they confess they have had no prophet ^F4, and that they are not able to observe their signs.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. Sabbat, fol. 63. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 99. 1.
F3 T. Bava Bathra, fol. 12. 1.
F4 Abarbinel in Dan. fol. 63. 4.

Matthew 11:13 In-Context

11 Truly I say to you, there rose none more than John Baptist among the children of women; but he that is less in the kingdom of heavens, is more than he. [Truly I say to you, none rose greater than John Baptist among the sons of women; forsooth he that is the least in the kingdom of heavens, is more than he.]

12 And from the days of John Baptist till now the kingdom of heavens suffereth violence, and violent men snatch it.

13 For all [the] prophets and the law till John prophesied;

14 and if ye will receive, he is Elias that is to come.

15 He that hath ears of hearing, hear he.