King James Version

What Does Luke 7:27 Mean?

Luke 7:27 in the King James Version says “This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Luke 7:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus makes startling comparison: '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' (Greek 'mikroteros en te basileia tou theou meizon autou estin'). John's greatness is affirmed ('not a greater prophet'), yet superseded by kingdom privilege. The 'least in the kingdom' possesses greater privilege than John—not personal virtue but positional advantage. John announced kingdom; believers participate in it. John saw Christ from distance; believers experience indwelling Spirit. The comparison demonstrates kingdom privilege, not personal merit. Reformed theology emphasizes that salvation is grace-based, not achievement-based. The thief on the cross, entering kingdom at last moment, possesses greater privilege than faithful John who preceded kingdom's full inauguration.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

John's ministry occurred at transition—Old Covenant ending, New Covenant beginning. He witnessed Jesus's baptism and early ministry but died before crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost. Those events inaugurated the kingdom age fully. John stood outside looking in; believers stand inside experiencing promised blessings. Old Testament saints anticipated Messiah; New Testament believers know Him personally. Hebrews 11:39-40 states Old Testament faithful 'received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us.' For early church, this teaching provided confidence—they weren't merely continuing John's or prophets' work but participating in unprecedented reality: the age of the Spirit, church as Christ's body. Modern application includes gratitude for our privileged position—what prophets longed to see, we experience (1 Peter 1:10-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding kingdom privilege (not personal virtue) as basis for 'greater than John' protect against pride?
  2. What specific advantages do New Covenant believers possess that even John lacked?
  3. How should awareness of our privileged position affect our worship, witness, and stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οὗτός1 of 21

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν2 of 21

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

περὶ3 of 21

“he of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὃς4 of 21

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

γέγραπται5 of 21

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Ἰδού,6 of 21

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐγώ7 of 21

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἀποστέλλω8 of 21

“send”

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

τὸν9 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄγγελόν10 of 21

“messenger”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

μου11 of 21

“my”

G3450

of me

πρὸ12 of 21

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

προσώπου13 of 21

“face”

G4383

the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person

σου14 of 21

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὃς15 of 21

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

κατασκευάσει16 of 21

“shall prepare”

G2680

to prepare thoroughly (properly, by external equipment; whereas g2090 refers rather to internal fitness); by implication, to construct, create

τὴν17 of 21
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὁδόν18 of 21

“way”

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

σου19 of 21

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἔμπροσθέν20 of 21

“before”

G1715

in front of (in place (literally or figuratively) or time)

σου21 of 21

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

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 7:27 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 7:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:1Luke 1:76Mark 1:2Malachi 4:5-6John 1:23Matthew 11:10

Test Your Knowledge

Luke 7 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLuke Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Luke 7 with CommentaryAll Luke ChaptersComplete Luke QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes