Matthew 16:14
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They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist--risen from the dead. So that Herod Antipas was not singular in his surmise (Mat 14:1-2). some, Elias--(Compare Mar 6:15). and others, Jeremias--Was this theory suggested by a supposed resemblance between the "Man of Sorrows" and "the weeping prophet?" or one of the prophets--or, as Luke (Luk 9:8) expresses it, "that one of the old prophets is risen again." In another report of the popular opinions which Mark (Mar 6:15) gives us, it is thus expressed, "That it is a prophet [or], as one of the prophets": in other words, That He was a prophetical person, resembling those of old.
Open source ↗None of Christ's miracles are recorded in this chapter, but four of his discourses. Here is, I. A conference with the Pharisees, who challenged him to show them a sign from heaven (Mat 16:1-4). II. Another with his disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees (Mat 16:5-12). III. Another with them concerning himself, as the Christ, and concerning his church built upon him (Mat 16:13-20). IV. Another concerning his sufferings for them, and theirs for him (Mat 16:21-28). And all these are written for our learning.
Open source ↗16:14 Some, such as Herod Antipas (14:1-2), thought Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected. • Elijah was expected as a forerunner to the Messiah (11:14; 17:10-12; Mal 3:1; 4:5-6). • Jeremiah or one of the other prophets: Some Jews expected Jeremiah to be raised (see 2 Maccabees 15:13-16). Jesus’ strong stand on sensitive matters (Matt 5:17; 15:1-20) may have led some to think Jesus was Jeremiah. Jesus was not yet understood as God’s Messiah.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD.
So once again they asked the man who had been blind, “What do you say about Him, since it was your eyes He opened?” “He is a prophet,” the man replied.
Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”
others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen.
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”
The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
“Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”