Matthew Chapter 11 · Verse 2
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννης
when John
G2491
Ἰωάννης
when John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
3 of 16
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
the works
G2041
ἔργα
the works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
9 of 16
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πέμψας
he sent
G3992
πέμψας
he sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
12 of 16
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
Cross References
Mark 6:17For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.Matthew 14:3For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;Matthew 9:14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?John 4:1When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
Historical Context
John imprisoned at Machaerus fortress for denouncing Herod Antipas's unlawful marriage to Herodias (14:3-4). Imprisonment lasted months before execution. Jewish messianic expectations emphasized judgment, liberation, and kingdom establishment. John proclaimed Jesus as judge with winnowing fork (3:12), expecting swift judgment. Instead, Jesus exercised mercy, delayed judgment, and extended grace. This tension—between expected immediate judgment and actual patient mercy—confused many, including John. Early Christians wrestled similarly with delayed second coming.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond when God's actions don't match our expectations?
- What does John's doubt despite previous certainty teach about faith amid suffering?
- How can we maintain faith when prayers seem unanswered and circumstances deteriorate?
Analysis & Commentary
John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod, sends disciples to Jesus: 'Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?' (συ ει ο ερχομενος η ετερον προσδοκωμεν). John's question reveals human doubt amid suffering. The one who proclaimed Jesus as Lamb of God (John 1:29) now questions. 'He that should come' (ο ερχομενος) refers to Messiah. John expected messianic judgment and kingdom establishment; instead he languishes in prison while Jesus teaches and heals. Suffering tests faith. John's honest question isn't unbelief but wrestling with unfulfilled expectations. Jesus welcomes honest questions and provides evidence rather than rebuke.