But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

MATTHEW 17:12KJV
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Matthew 17:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:12 mean?

Matthew 17:12 means that Jesus is telling his disciples that "Elias" (Elijah) has already come, but people did not recognize him and mistreated him as they wished; in the same way, Jesus (the "Son of man") will also suffer at their hands. Jesus is pointing out that the expected return of Elijah has already happened, and people missed it.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his disciples after the Transfiguration, where Moses and Elijah appeared with him. The disciples had just asked about Elijah's coming, and Jesus explains that Elijah has come "already," referring to John the Baptist. The verse connects how John was rejected and harmed by the people, and Jesus warns that he himself will face similar suffering.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:12

  • Ἠλίας (Ēlías): This is the Greek form of "Elijah." Jesus uses this name to connect John the Baptist with the Old Testament promise of Elijah's return.
  • ἐποίησαν (epoiēsan): Translated as "have done," this verb emphasizes that people acted toward Elijah (John) however they wanted, highlighting their rejection and mistreatment.
  • μέλλει (mellei): Translated as "shall" or "is about to," this word signals that Jesus is predicting his own coming suffering, drawing a parallel to what happened to John.

Why Matthew 17:12 matters

  • Matthew 17:12 clarifies that the prophecy about Elijah's return was fulfilled in John the Baptist, not in a literal reappearance of the ancient prophet.
  • The verse highlights a pattern: God's messengers are often not recognized and are mistreated, which prepares the disciples for Jesus' own suffering and rejection.
  • This explanation helps the disciples—and readers—understand how Old Testament expectations are being fulfilled in unexpected ways through the ministry of Jesus and John.

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.

“knew” Greek G1921 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
  • Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
  • Acts 27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

“suffer” Greek G3958 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
  • Acts 3:18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“already” Greek G2235 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.