For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

MATTHEW 11:13KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 11:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:13 mean?

Matthew 11:13 says that all the prophets and the law, meaning the writings of the Old Testament, spoke about what was to come until the time of John the Baptist. This verse points out that John marks a turning point, as the last in a line of those who foretold God’s plans before Jesus began his ministry.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd about John the Baptist. He explains that everything written in the law and by the prophets was looking forward to something greater, and that John is the final messenger before that promise arrives. The verse helps the listener understand that John’s role is unique—he stands at the close of one era and the beginning of another.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:13

  • προφῆται (prophētai, "prophets"): This word refers to those in Israel’s history who spoke God’s messages, often about the future or the coming Messiah. Jesus includes all these voices as pointing forward.
  • νόμος (nomos, "law"): This word means the law given through Moses, the first five books of the Old Testament. Jesus treats the law itself as having a prophetic role, not just a set of rules, but something that points ahead.
  • προεφήτευσαν (proephēteusan, "prophesied"): This verb means to speak under divine inspiration about what is to come. The Greek here carries the sense that both the law and the prophets were actively looking forward, not just recording history.
  • Ἰωάννου (Iōannou, "John"): Naming John specifically shows he is the dividing line—everything before him was anticipation, and with him, the fulfillment is near.

Why Matthew 11:13 matters

  • Matthew 11:13 clears up the idea that John the Baptist is just another prophet; instead, Jesus shows John is the last in a long line, marking a major transition.
  • The verse highlights that both the law and the prophets were not just about rules or past events, but were always pointing ahead to something greater—namely, the arrival of Jesus.
  • This statement ties together the Old and New Testaments, showing continuity in God’s plan and helping the reader see how John’s ministry fits into the bigger story.

Where else these words appear

“prophesied” Greek G4395 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

“John” Greek G2491 · used in 130 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Mark 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
  • John 1:32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

“until” Greek G2193 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
  • John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?