Matthew 11
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Commentaries
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THE IMPRISONED BAPTIST'S MESSAGE TO HIS MASTER--THE REPLY, AND DISCOURSE, ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE MESSENGERS, REGARDING JOHN AND HIS MISSION. ( = Luke 7:18-35). (Mat. 11:1-19) And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciple--rather, "the twelve disciples," he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities--This was scarcely a fourth circuit--if we may judge from the less formal way in which it was expressed--but, perhaps, a set of visits paid to certain places, either not reached at all before, or too rapidly passed through, in order to fill up the time till the return of the Twelve. As to their labors, nothing is said of them by our Evangelist. But Luke (Luk 9:6) says, "They departed, and went through, the towns," or "villages," "preaching the Gospel, and healing everywhere." Mark (Mar 6:12-13), as usual, is more explicit: "And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils (demons) and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them." Though this "anointing with oil" was not mentioned in our Lord's instructions--at least in any of the records of them--we know it to have been practiced long after this in the apostolic Church (see Jam 5:14, and compare Mar 6:12-13) --not medicinally, but as a sign of the healing virtue which was communicated by their hands, and a symbol of something still more precious. It was unction, indeed, but, as BENGEL remarks, it was something very different from what Romanists call extreme unction. He adds, what is very probable, that they do not appear to have carried the oil about with them, but, as the Jews used oil as a medicine, to have employed it just as they found it with the sick, in their own higher way.
Open source ↗And it came to pass,.... In the course of things, and as before determined and resolved on, that when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples; when he had given them a commission to preach the Gospel, had finished all his instructions he thought fit to give them, and orders he enjoined them, relating to that work; as where they should go, what they should say, how they should behave, and what treatment they should meet with; and had given them all proper advice and encouragement, he departed thence, from the place where he then was: he did not desist either from the ministry of the word, or from working of miracles, but went out into other parts of the country, to teach and to preach in their cities: meaning either in the cities of the Jews, or in the cities of his disciples; and these, either the cities they belonged to, from whence they came, namely, the cities of Galilee; for the disciples were Galilaeans, and in which parts Christ now was; or else the cities where he sent them to preach first, and then came himself, and confirmed their doctrine by his own ministry and miracles.
Open source ↗The first verse of this chapter some join to the foregoing chapter, and make it (not unfitly) the close of that. 1. The ordination sermon which Christ preached to his disciples in the foregoing chapter is here called his commanding them. Note, Christ's commissions imply commands. Their preaching of the gospel was not only permitted them, but it was enjoined them. It was not a thing respecting which they were left at their liberty, but necessity was laid upon them, Co1 9:16. The promises he made them are included in these commands, for the covenant of grace is a word which he hath commanded, Psa 105:8. He made an end of commanding, etelesendiatassōn. Note, The instructions Christ gives are full instructions. He goes through with his work. 2. When Christ had said what he had to say to his disciples, he departed thence. It should seem they were very loth to leave their Master, till he departed and separated himself from them; as the nurse withdraws the hand, that the child may learn to go by itself. Christ would now teach them how to live, and how to work, without his bodily presence. It was expedient for them, that Christ should thus go away for awhile, that they might be prepared for his long departure, and that, by the help of the Spirit, their own hands might be sufficient for them (Deu 33:7), and they might not be always children. We have little account of what they did now pursuant to their commission. They went abroad, no doubt; probably into Judea (for in Galilee the gospel had been mostly preached hitherto), publishing the doctrine of Christ, and working miracles in his name: but still in a more immediate dependence upon him, and not being long from him; and thus they were trained up, by degrees, for their great work. 3. Christ departed, to teach and preach in th…
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites τελέω (teléō, G5055) — to end, i.e. complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt) διατάσσω (diatássō, G1299) — to arrange thoroughly, i.e. (specially) institute, prescribe, etc. αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… δώδεκα (dṓdeka, G1427) — two and ten, i.e. a dozen μαθητής (mathētḗs, G3101) — a learner, i.e. pupil μεταβαίνω (metabaínō, G3327) — to change place ἐκεῖθεν (ekeîthen, G1564) — thence διδάσκω (didáskō, G1321) — to teach (in the same broad application) κηρύσσω (kērýssō, G2784) — to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δεσμωτήριον (desmōtḗrion, G1201) — a place of bondage, i.e. a dungeon ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus πέμπω (pémpō, G3992) — to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form… δύο (dýo, G1417) — "two" αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… μαθητής (mathētḗs, G3101) — a learner, i.e. pupil
Open source ↗ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἶ (eî, G1488) — thou art σύ (sý, G4771) — thou ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ἤ (ḗ, G2228) — disjunctive, or; comparative, than προσδοκάω (prosdokáō, G4328) — to anticipate (in thought, hope or fear); by implication, to await ἕτερος (héteros, G2087) — (an-, the) other or different
Open source ↗Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀποκρίνομαι (apokrínomai, G611) — to conclude for oneself, i.e. (by implication) to respond; by Hebraism (compare H06030)… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔπω (épō, G2036) — to speak or say (by word or writing) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… ἀπαγγέλλω (apangéllō, G518) — to announce Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) βλέπω (blépō, G991) — to look at (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗τυφλός (typhlós, G5185) — opaque (as if smoky), i.e. (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally) ἀναβλέπω (anablépō, G308) — to look up; by implication, to recover sight καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… χωλός (chōlós, G5560) — "halt", i.e. limping περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… λεπρός (leprós, G3015) — scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper) καθαρίζω (katharízō, G2511) — to cleanse (literally or figuratively) κωφός (kōphós, G2974) — blunted, i.e. (figuratively) of hearing (deaf) or speech (dumb) ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) νεκρός (nekrós, G3498) — dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun) ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… πτωχός (ptōchós, G4434) — akin to G4422 (πτοέω) and the alternate of G4098 (πίπτω)); a beggar (as cringing), i.e.… εὐαγγελίζω (euangelízō, G2097) — to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μακάριος (makários, G3107) — supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that σκανδαλίζω (skandalízō, G4624) — to entrap, i.e. trip up (figuratively, stumble (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy… ἐὰν μή (eàn mḗ, G3362) — if not, i.e. unless ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐμοί (emoí, G1698) — to me
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things) πορεύομαι (poreúomai, G4198) — to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively,… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἄρχομαι (árchomai, G756) — to commence (in order of time) λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὄχλος (óchlos, G3793) — a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people;… περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἔρημος (érēmos, G2048) θεάομαι (theáomai, G2300) — to look closely at, i.e. (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by…
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἀμφιέννυμι (amphiénnymi, G294) — to enrobe ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μαλακός (malakós, G3120) — soft, i.e. fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite ἱμάτιον (himátion, G2440) — a dress (inner or outer) ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; φορέω (phoréō, G5409) — to have a burden, i.e. (by analogy) to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment εἰσί (eisí, G1526) — they are βασιλεύς (basileús, G935) — a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively) οἶκος (oîkos, G3624) — a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family…
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) ἐξέρχομαι (exérchomai, G1831) — to issue (literally or figuratively) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet ναί (naí, G3483) — yes λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… περισσότερος (perissóteros, G4055) — more superabundant (in number, degree or character)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὗτος (hoûtos, G3778) — the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated) ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ἰδού (idoú, G2400) — used as imperative lo!; ἐγώ (egṓ, G1473) ἀποστέλλω (apostéllō, G649) — set apart, i.e. (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or… μοῦ (moû, G3450) — of me ἄγγελος (ángelos, G32) — compare G34 (ἀγέλη)) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by… πρό (pró, G4253) — "fore", i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to σοῦ (soû, G4675) — of thee, thy πρόσωπον (prósōpon, G4383) — the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by…
Open source ↗ἀμήν (amḗn, G281) — properly, firm, i.e. (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. γεννητός (gennētós, G1084) — born γυνή (gynḗ, G1135) — a woman; specially, a wife ἐγείρω (egeírō, G1453) — to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. rouse (literally, from sleep, from… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μείζων (meízōn, G3187) — larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age) Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites Βαπτιστής (Baptistḗs, G910) — a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. μικρός (mikrós, G3398) — small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity) βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites Βαπτιστής (Baptistḗs, G910) — a baptizer, as an epithet of Christ's forerunner ἕως (héōs, G2193) — a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place) ἄρτι (árti, G737) — just now βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… οὐρανός (ouranós, G3772) — the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power,… βιάζω (biázō, G971) — to force, i.e. (reflexively) to crowd oneself (into), or (passively) to be seized καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βιαστής (biastḗs, G973) — a forcer, i.e. (figuratively) energetic ἁρπάζω (harpázō, G726) — to seize (in various applications) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole προφήτης (prophḗtēs, G4396) — a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… νόμος (nómos, G3551) — law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of… προφητεύω (prophēteúō, G4395) — to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office ἕως (héōs, G2193) — a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place) Ἰωάννης (Iōánnēs, G2491) — Joannes (i.e. Jochanan), the name of four Israelites
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are Ἡλίας (Hēlías, G2243) — Helias (i.e. Elijah), an Israelite ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) μέλλω (méllō, G3195) — to intend, i.e. be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially… ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.
Soon afterward, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with Him,
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,
If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.
until the day He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the One appointed by God to judge the living and the dead.