But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

MATTHEW 11:9KJV
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Matthew 11:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:9 mean?

Matthew 11:9 records Jesus asking the crowd what they expected to see when they went out to see John the Baptist, affirming that John is not only a prophet but even more than that. Jesus is highlighting John’s unique and important role, setting him apart from other prophets.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to people who had gone into the wilderness to see John the Baptist. Many considered John a prophet, but Jesus stresses that John’s significance goes beyond the usual expectations for a prophet. This sets the stage for Jesus to explain John’s special place in God’s plan, especially as the one who prepares the way for the Messiah.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:9

  • προφήτης (prophētēs): This Greek word means "prophet," someone who speaks on behalf of God. Jesus uses it to confirm that John is indeed a prophet, which would have been a high honor in the eyes of his listeners.
  • περισσότερον (perissoteron): Translated as "more," this word means "greater" or "beyond." By saying John is "more than a prophet," Jesus is emphasizing that John’s role is even more significant than that of the prophets who came before him.

Why Matthew 11:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that John the Baptist is not just another prophet but holds a unique position in the story of Jesus, preparing people for the coming of the Messiah.
  • Jesus’ words challenge the crowd’s expectations, encouraging them to see John’s ministry as something extraordinary rather than ordinary.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain why John is so prominent in the Gospels and why Jesus goes on to praise him so highly in the following verses.

Where else these words appear

“more” Greek G4055 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
  • Luke 12:4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

“yea” Greek G3483 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

“prophet” 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?