Matthew 11:7-15
Revised Standard Version
Jesus Praises John the Baptist
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to behold? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 Why then did you go out? To see a man[a] clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings’ houses. 9 Why then did you go out? To see a prophet?[b] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send my messenger before thy face,
who shall prepare thy way before thee.’
11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,[c] and men of violence take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John; 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Eli′jah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear,[d] let him hear.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 11:8 Or What then did you go out to see? A man . . .
- Matthew 11:9 Other ancient authorities read What then did you go out to see? A prophet?
- Matthew 11:12 Or has been coming violently
- Matthew 11:15 Other ancient authorities omit to hear
Matthew 11:7-15
New International Version
7 As John’s(A) disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness(B) to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet?(C) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,[b] and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.(F) 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.(G) 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.(H)
Footnotes
- Matthew 11:10 Mal. 3:1
- Matthew 11:12 Or been forcefully advancing
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