King James Version

What Does Luke 7:26 Mean?

Luke 7:26 in the King James Version says “But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.”

Luke 7:26 · KJV

Context

24

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

25

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

27

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

28

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus identifies John as prophesied forerunner: 'This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee' (quoting Malachi 3:1). The fulfillment of prophecy authenticates both John and Jesus. Malachi's prophecy, given 400 years earlier, found precise fulfillment in John. The phrase 'before thy face' (Greek 'pro prosopou sou') indicates immediate preceding—John directly heralded Jesus's ministry. 'Prepare thy way' (Greek 'kataskeuasei ten hodon sou') uses construction metaphor—making roads passable by removing obstacles. John's preaching about repentance removed obstacles (self-righteousness, complacency) preventing people from receiving Messiah. Reformed theology emphasizes Scripture's fulfillment in Christ—Old Testament anticipates, New Testament realizes. The pattern continues—Holy Spirit prepares hearts to receive gospel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Malachi was final Old Testament prophet. After him came 400 years of prophetic silence (intertestamental period) until John. This silence made John's appearance significant—prophetic word resumed. Malachi's prophecy was well-known; Jewish audiences awaited its fulfillment. Jesus's identification of John as the prophesied messenger validated both men's ministries. Early church used fulfilled prophecy as apologetic—Jesus wasn't random religious teacher but predicted Messiah. Matthew's Gospel particularly emphasizes fulfillment formulas ('that it might be fulfilled...'). For Luke's readers, prophetic fulfillment demonstrated Christianity's continuity with Judaism—not novel religion but completion of God's redemptive plan. Modern application includes confidence in Scripture's reliability and unity—God's plan spans millennia, executing perfectly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does fulfilled prophecy strengthen faith in Scripture's divine inspiration and reliability?
  2. What does John's role 'preparing the way' teach about Holy Spirit's work preparing hearts for gospel?
  3. How should Old Testament prophecy shape our understanding of Jesus's identity and mission?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 11

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τί2 of 11

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐξεληλύθατε3 of 11

“went ye out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἰδεῖν4 of 11

“for to see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

προφήτου5 of 11

“A prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

ναί6 of 11

“Yea”

G3483

yes

λέγω7 of 11

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὑμῖν8 of 11

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ9 of 11

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

περισσότερον10 of 11
G4054

in a more superabundant way

προφήτου11 of 11

“A prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:26 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:76Luke 20:6John 5:35John 3:26-30Luke 16:16Matthew 11:9-14

Test Your Knowledge

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