Matthew 11:14
And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Malachi 4:5-6 promised Elijah's return before the 'great and dreadful day of the LORD' to turn hearts of fathers to children and vice versa. Jewish interpretation debated whether this meant literal Elijah or prophetic figure. John the Baptist, when asked 'Art thou Elias?' answered 'I am not' (John 1:21)—meaning he wasn't Elijah reincarnated. But Jesus unambiguously identifies John as the prophesied Elijah figure. This apparent contradiction resolves when we understand: John denied being literally Elijah; Jesus affirmed he fulfilled Elijah's prophesied role. Elijah himself appeared with Moses at Jesus's Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), confirming he hadn't been reincarnated as John. Yet after seeing Elijah, the disciples asked about Malachi's prophecy (Matthew 17:10-13), and Jesus again identified John as its fulfillment. The early church used this as apologetic proof: Malachi's prophecy was fulfilled, therefore Jesus is Messiah. It also taught Christians how to read Old Testament prophecy: not wooden literalism but Spirit-guided understanding of typological fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that recognizing John as Elijah requires willingness to 'receive it'—how does spiritual receptivity affect understanding?
- How does this example of prophecy fulfillment (typological rather than literal) inform how you interpret other Old Testament predictions?
- What does John's self-effacement (denying greatness while Jesus affirms it) teach about humility and proper self-assessment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
'And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.' Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah—not through reincarnation but in fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6's prediction that Elijah would precede Messiah. The phrase 'if ye will receive it' (εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι/ei thelete dexasthai) indicates this truth requires spiritual receptivity—those hardened against Jesus won't accept John's identity or mission. John came 'in the spirit and power of Elias' (Luke 1:17), not as Elijah reincarnated but as prophetic fulfillment of Elijah's role. He dressed like Elijah, called Israel to repentance like Elijah, confronted wicked rulers like Elijah, and prepared for divine visitation like Elijah. Reformed theology rejects reincarnation but affirms typological fulfillment: John fulfilled what Elijah represented—the forerunner preparing hearts for God's arrival. This verse also demonstrates how prophecy works: not always literal (Elijah himself) but often typological (one like Elijah). It requires spiritual insight to recognize fulfillment, which God grants to His elect.