For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

MATTHEW 11:10KJV
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Matthew 11:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:10 mean?

Matthew 11:10 identifies John the Baptist as the messenger spoken of in an earlier passage of Scripture. Jesus tells the crowd that John’s work was to get people ready for the one who would come after him.

The picture is of someone sent ahead of a traveler to make the road ready. Following verse 9, Jesus uses the quotation to explain why John is more than a prophet: John has a particular place in preparing for Jesus’ arrival.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:10

  • “messenger” — ἄγγελος (angelos): The word means someone sent to carry a message. It can also mean an angel, but here Jesus applies it to John, a human messenger.
  • “prepare” — κατασκευάζω (kataskeuazō): The word carries the sense of getting something ready or putting it in order. Here it adds a practical sense to the image of making a road ready for a traveler.
  • “face” — πρόσωπον (prosōpon): The word can mean a person’s face or presence. “Before thy face” pictures the messenger going ahead of the person who is coming.

Why Matthew 11:10 matters

  • Jesus gives an earlier passage a specific connection to John. The words “of whom it is written” introduce a quotation that closely resembles Malachi 3:1.
  • The quotation joins John’s role to Jesus’ arrival. The one sent ahead prepares “thy way,” pointing to the person who follows.
  • The words “I send my messenger” present John’s task as an assignment from God. Jesus uses those words to explain John’s place in the events the crowd is witnessing.

Where else these words appear

“prepare” Greek G2680 · used in 10 verses

  • Mark 1:2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
  • Hebrews 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
  • Hebrews 9:6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

“before” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.

“before” Greek G4253 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  • John 10:8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

“face” Greek G4383 · used in 73 verses

  • Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Luke 21:35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: