King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:13 Mean?

Matthew 11:13 in the King James Version says “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.”

Matthew 11:13 · KJV

Context

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

13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Read Matthew 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.' This verse establishes John the Baptist as the culmination and terminus of the Old Testament era. The phrase 'all the prophets and the law' encompasses the entire Old Testament Scripture (Jews divided Scripture into Law, Prophets, Writings). These prophesied—pointed forward—anticipating Messiah's coming. 'Until John' (ἕως Ἰωάννου/heōs Iōannou) marks him as the last Old Testament prophet, the final voice of the old covenant. John stands at the hinge of redemptive history: he belongs to the old era chronologically but announces the new era's arrival. His message was the last preview; after him comes the fulfillment—Jesus Christ. Reformed theology emphasizes this redemptive-historical progression: the Old Testament prepared for Christ; He is its goal and fulfillment (Romans 10:4). Everything in the law and prophets pointed to Him, and in Him they find their meaning. This doesn't devalue the Old Testament but establishes its proper role: temporary pointer to permanent reality, shadow to substance, promise to fulfillment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

From Moses (circa 1400 BC) through Malachi (circa 450 BC), prophets spoke God's Word to Israel—predicting Messiah, calling to repentance, explaining covenant. After Malachi, Israel experienced 400 'silent years' without recognized prophetic voice. Then John appeared, clothed like Elijah, speaking with prophetic authority—and crowds recognized him as prophet (Matthew 21:26). But John's message differed: previous prophets said 'Messiah will come'; John said 'He's here.' Jesus's statement that John concluded the prophetic era was revolutionary: it meant the long-anticipated age had dawned. For first-century Jews steeped in Old Testament hope, this was momentous. It also had practical implications: the ceremonial law, temple system, and old covenant structures that 'prophesied' through types and shadows were now obsolete (Hebrews 8:13). Early church controversies (Acts 15, Galatians, Hebrews) centered on this transition: how do old covenant Scriptures function now that Christ has come? The answer: they testify to Him (John 5:39) but don't bind Christians to ceremonial laws fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the Old Testament as pointing to Christ change how you read it?
  2. What does it mean practically that the law and prophets 'prophesied until John'—what changed after John?
  3. How do you avoid the error of either dismissing the Old Testament or failing to see its fulfillment in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
πάντες1 of 10

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 10

“For”

G1063

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

οἱ3 of 10
G3588

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

προφῆται4 of 10

“the prophets”

G4396

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

καὶ5 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

ὁ6 of 10
G3588

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

νόμος7 of 10

“the law”

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἕως8 of 10

“until”

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

Ἰωάννου9 of 10

“John”

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

προεφήτευσαν·10 of 10

“prophesied”

G4395

to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office

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 11:13 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 11:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:17-18Romans 3:21Acts 13:27Luke 24:27Malachi 4:6Luke 24:44

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 11 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes