King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:10 Mean?

Matthew 11:10 in the King James Version says “For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before t...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 11:10 · KJV

Context

8

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

9

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

10

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

11

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. suffereth: or, is gotten by force, and they that thrust men

Read Matthew 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus quotes Scripture to identify John: 'For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.' This combines Malachi 3:1 with Exodus 23:20, applied directly to John the Baptist. The phrase 'before thy face' (πρὸ προσώπου σου/pro prosōpou sou) indicates John went immediately before Jesus, the final herald announcing the King's arrival. The verb 'prepare' (κατασκευάσει/kataskeuasei) means to make ready, to construct or repair—like preparing a road for royal procession. John's ministry prepared hearts through preaching repentance, exposing self-righteousness, and pointing to Christ. Reformed theology emphasizes this preparatory work of the law and conviction of sin precedes gospel reception. John represents this pattern: he proclaimed God's holiness, human sinfulness, coming judgment, and the need for a Savior. His baptism symbolized cleansing from sin, creating longing for the One who would baptize 'with the Holy Ghost, and with fire' (Matthew 3:11). That 'thy way' refers to Jesus demonstrates His deity—John prepared the way for Yahweh Himself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Malachi 3:1, written approximately 450 BC, was the last prophetic book of the Old Testament. It predicted a messenger who would 'prepare the way before me,' looking forward to God's coming to His temple in judgment and purification. Jewish interpreters debated whether this messenger was Elijah returned (Malachi 4:5-6), an angelic being, or another prophet. Jesus identifies John as this prophesied forerunner, and elsewhere confirms John came 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (Luke 1:17, Matthew 11:14). The dual citation—merging Malachi 3:1 with language from Exodus 23:20 (where God promised an angel to lead Israel)—emphasizes John's divine commission. By applying Malachi's 'prepare the way before me' (Yahweh speaking) to preparation for Jesus, the text implicitly affirms Jesus's deity. Early Christians used this verse extensively in evangelism to Jews, demonstrating Jesus's messianic credentials from Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'preparing the way' pattern in John's ministry apply to evangelism today—what prepares hearts to receive the gospel?
  2. What does Jesus's identification as the One for whom Malachi predicted a forerunner reveal about His divine identity?
  3. In what ways does John's ministry demonstrate that genuine Christianity begins with conviction of sin rather than positive-thinking?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
οὗτός1 of 22

“this”

G3778

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

γὰρ2 of 22

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐστιν3 of 22

“is”

G2076

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

περὶ4 of 22

“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

ὃς5 of 22

“which”

G3739

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

γέγραπται,6 of 22

“it is written”

G1125

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

Ἰδού,7 of 22

“Behold”

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἐγὼ8 of 22

“I”

G1473

i, me

ἀποστέλλω9 of 22

“send”

G649

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

τὸν10 of 22
G3588

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

ἄγγελόν11 of 22

“messenger”

G32

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

μου12 of 22

“my”

G3450

of me

πρὸ13 of 22

“before”

G4253

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

προσώπου14 of 22

“face”

G4383

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

σου15 of 22

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὃς16 of 22

“which”

G3739

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

κατασκευάσει17 of 22

“shall prepare”

G2680

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

τὴν18 of 22
G3588

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

ὁδόν19 of 22

“way”

G3598

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

σου20 of 22

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

ἔμπροσθέν21 of 22

“before”

G1715

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

σου22 of 22

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:10 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 Matthew 11:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 3:1Isaiah 40:3Malachi 4:5Mark 1:2Luke 7:26-27John 1:23

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