Keraia
Matthew 17

Matthew 17:10

The Transfiguration · Matthew 17:1–13
Read Matthew 17

Translations

Modern
The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”
Traditional
And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?
Literal
And the disciples questioned Him, saying, “Why then do the scribes say that it is necessary for Elijah to come first?”
Latin
Et interrogaverunt eum discipuli, dicentes: Quid ergo scribæ dicunt, quod Eliam oporteat primum venire?

Original

Greek
English
The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

Notes

Matthew 17:10–13

Elijah’s appearance made the disciples ask about the belief that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes (see Malachi 4:5–6). Jesus pointed to John the Baptist as the one who fulfilled that role. In doing so, he reminded them of the surprising truth that the Messiah must suffer, just as John, his forerunner, had also suffered (Matthew 14:3–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Elijah John the Baptist The Messiah

Events

Parallels

Mark 9:1–13 Luke 9:28–36 2 Peter 1:16–21

People

Elijah: A prophet during the reigns of Ahab and Ahaziah

Glossary

Elijah Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Prophecy

Topics

Elijah: Antitype of John the Baptist Jesus, the Christ: Is Transfigured Scribe(s): Instructors in the Law Scribes: Modern: Regarded As Interpreters of Scripture