Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 20
When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Original Language Analysis
παραγενόμενοι
were come
G3854
παραγενόμενοι
were come
Strong's:
G3854
Word #:
1 of 22
to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπέσταλκεν
hath sent
G649
ἀπέσταλκεν
hath sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
11 of 22
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
13 of 22
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχόμενος
he that should come
G2064
ἐρχόμενος
he that should come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
19 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
The phrase "he that should come" (ὁ ἐρχόμενος, ho erchomenos) was widely recognized messianic terminology. Jewish expectation anticipated a deliverer who would restore the Davidic throne, liberate Israel from foreign domination, and establish God's kingdom on earth. Daniel 7:13's vision of "one like the Son of man" coming on clouds influenced this expectation. John's question reflects the tension between these expectations and Jesus' actual ministry of healing, teaching, and fellowship with sinners—activities that seemed preparatory rather than climactic.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus respond to John's question with evidence rather than a simple declaration of His identity?
- How does the public nature of this exchange serve Jesus' broader teaching purposes about His messianic mission?
- What does this passage teach about the importance of aligning our theology with Scripture's revelation rather than cultural or personal expectations?
Analysis & Commentary
When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? Luke repeats John's question verbatim, emphasizing its significance. The disciples function as formal emissaries, delivering John's inquiry with precision. The repetition (compare v. 19) underscores the gravity of the question—this is not casual curiosity but a crisis of messianic identity. The title "John Baptist" (Ἰωάννης ὁ βαπτιστής, Iōannēs ho baptistēs) reminds readers of John's prophetic office and his authoritative role as forerunner.
The question's public nature is significant—Jesus' response will be witnessed by John's disciples, Jesus' disciples, and the crowds. This creates a teaching moment about messianic identity and the nature of God's kingdom. Rather than giving a direct "yes/no" answer, Jesus responds with evidence (v. 21-22): demonstrating His messianic credentials through miraculous works that fulfill Isaiah's prophecies. The question format—"Art thou he...or look we for another?"—demands a verdict. There is no third option; Jesus is either the Messiah or He is not. His response validates His identity while gently correcting misunderstandings about the Messiah's mission.