And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

MATTHEW 17:10KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 17:10 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:10 mean?

Matthew 17:10 shows the disciples asking Jesus why the religious experts (the scribes) say that Elijah (“Elias” in the KJV) must come before the Messiah appears. The disciples are confused about how Jesus fits into the prophecies they have learned, especially the teaching that Elijah would return first.

In this scene, Jesus’ disciples are speaking directly to him after witnessing the Transfiguration, where Jesus appeared with Moses and Elijah. Their question reflects a common Jewish expectation based on Old Testament prophecy (especially Malachi 4:5) that Elijah would come before the Messiah. The verse highlights the disciples’ effort to understand how Jesus’ ministry relates to these long-held beliefs.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:10

  • Ἠλίας (Ēlias): This is the Greek form of “Elijah,” the Old Testament prophet. The use of this name connects directly to Jewish prophetic expectations and shows the disciples are thinking about specific prophecies.
  • δεῖ (dei): Translated here as “must,” this word carries a sense of necessity or something that is required. The disciples are asking about something they believe is a necessary step before the Messiah comes.
  • πρῶτον (prōton): This means “first,” emphasizing the order of events the disciples expect—Elijah’s coming must happen before anything else.

Why Matthew 17:10 matters

  • This verse reveals that the disciples are still trying to fit Jesus into their existing framework of prophecy, showing their honest confusion and desire to understand.
  • It connects the New Testament story directly to Old Testament prophecy, especially the expectation from Malachi that Elijah would return.
  • The question sets up Jesus’ explanation in the following verses, where he clarifies how John the Baptist fulfilled the role of Elijah, helping the reader see how prophecy and fulfillment work together in the Gospel narrative.

Where else these words appear

“Elias” Greek G2243 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
  • Mark 8:28 And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets.
  • Luke 4:26 But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow.

“asked” Greek G1905 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 12:10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
  • Mark 10:2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
  • Luke 9:18 And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.