And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

MATTHEW 21:11KJV
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Matthew 21:11 (KJV)

What does Matthew 21:11 mean?

Matthew 21:11 describes how the crowds in Jerusalem identified Jesus to others, saying, “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.” The people recognized Jesus as a prophet and pointed out his origins in Nazareth, a town in the region of Galilee.

In this scene, the “multitude” refers to the crowds who had witnessed Jesus entering Jerusalem, likely during the events of what is now called the Triumphal Entry. When asked who Jesus was, these people explained to others that he was a prophet from Nazareth. This shows both the public recognition Jesus had at that moment and how his reputation was tied to his hometown and his role as a prophet, not yet as the Messiah in the eyes of all.

The Greek behind Matthew 21:11

  • ὁ προφήτης (ho prophētēs, “the prophet”): The Greek word used here means someone who speaks for God, often understood as a spokesperson or messenger. Calling Jesus “the prophet” highlights how the crowds viewed him as a significant religious figure, but not necessarily as the Messiah.
  • Ναζαρέτ (Nazaret, “Nazareth”): Naming Nazareth, a small and often overlooked town, emphasizes Jesus’ humble origins. This detail would have shaped how people in Jerusalem viewed him—he was not from a famous or powerful city.
  • Γαλιλαίας (Galilaias, “Galilee”): Mentioning Galilee situates Jesus in a region known for being somewhat distant from the religious center of Jerusalem, which may have influenced the way people perceived his authority and background.

Why Matthew 21:11 matters

  • Matthew 21:11 clarifies that, at this point, the crowds saw Jesus primarily as a prophet, not explicitly as the Messiah or a political leader, which helps explain the mixed reactions he received in Jerusalem.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ identity to his hometown and region, showing how his background shaped public opinion and expectations.
  • This moment sets the stage for the tension in the following chapters, as Jesus’ true identity and mission become more openly challenged and discussed in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Nazareth” Greek G3478 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 2:23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
  • Luke 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
  • Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.

“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?