Matthew 11:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Jesus tells the crowd that John, if they will accept it, fulfills the promise of the Elijah who was to come.
What Does Matthew 11:14 Mean?
The prophet Malachi had foretold that Elijah ("Elias" in Greek) would come before the great day of the Lord. Here Jesus links that promise to John: "if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come." John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, calling the people to repentance before the Lord's arrival.
The phrase "if ye will receive it" is gentle and probing. Such truth must be welcomed by a willing heart; it cannot be forced upon the unready. Jesus invites the crowd to recognize what God has done in John -- the long-awaited herald, standing right before them. So much of God's work hinges on whether we are ready to receive it. The promise had come; the question was whether they had eyes to see.
Matthew 11:14 in the Original Language
Elias (Ἠλίας), 'Elijah' -- the Greek form of the Hebrew prophet's name.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 11:14
What does Matthew 11:14 mean?
Jesus tells the crowd that John, if they will accept it, fulfills the promise of the Elijah who was to come.