When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

LUKE 7:20KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Baptist” Greek G910 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

“for” Greek G4328 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
  • Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
  • Acts 27:33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

“come” Greek G3854 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • John 8:2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
  • Acts 17:10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.

“Art” Greek G1488 · used in 89 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.
  • John 18:17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.