Luke 7:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:20 mean?

Luke 7:20 describes how messengers sent by John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him directly if he was the one they had been expecting—the promised deliverer—or if they should keep looking for someone else. The verse shows John’s uncertainty and desire for a clear answer about Jesus’ identity.

John the Baptist was in prison at this time and sent two of his followers to Jesus. These men spoke to Jesus on John’s behalf, repeating John’s question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” This moment highlights both John’s faith and his struggle to understand Jesus’ role, setting up Jesus’ response in the following verses.

The Greek behind Luke 7:20

• The word for “another” is ἄλλον (allon), which means “another of a different kind.” This suggests John was asking if they should expect someone completely different if Jesus was not the expected one.
• The phrase “he that should come” uses ἐρχόμενος (erchomenos), meaning “the coming one,” a title often used for the awaited Messiah. This shows the question is about whether Jesus is truly the promised Savior.
• The verb “sent” is ἀπέστειλεν (apesteilen), which means “sent with a purpose or commission.” This emphasizes that John’s messengers were on an important mission, not just casual visitors.

Why Luke 7:20 matters

• This verse helps clear up the idea that even someone as significant as John the Baptist could have doubts or questions about God’s plan, making his experience relatable.
• Luke 7:20 sets the stage for Jesus’ answer, which will clarify his identity and mission for both John’s followers and the readers.
• The verse connects to the broader theme in Luke’s Gospel of recognizing who Jesus is, showing that even those closest to the story needed reassurance and understanding.