King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:14 Mean?

Matthew 11:14 in the King James Version says “And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 11:14 · KJV

Context

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.

16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.' Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the prophesied Elijah—not through reincarnation but in fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6's prediction that Elijah would precede Messiah. The phrase 'if ye will receive it' (εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι/ei thelete dexasthai) indicates this truth requires spiritual receptivity—those hardened against Jesus won't accept John's identity or mission. John came 'in the spirit and power of Elias' (Luke 1:17), not as Elijah reincarnated but as prophetic fulfillment of Elijah's role. He dressed like Elijah, called Israel to repentance like Elijah, confronted wicked rulers like Elijah, and prepared for divine visitation like Elijah. Reformed theology rejects reincarnation but affirms typological fulfillment: John fulfilled what Elijah represented—the forerunner preparing hearts for God's arrival. This verse also demonstrates how prophecy works: not always literal (Elijah himself) but often typological (one like Elijah). It requires spiritual insight to recognize fulfillment, which God grants to His elect.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Malachi 4:5-6 promised Elijah's return before the 'great and dreadful day of the LORD' to turn hearts of fathers to children and vice versa. Jewish interpretation debated whether this meant literal Elijah or prophetic figure. John the Baptist, when asked 'Art thou Elias?' answered 'I am not' (John 1:21)—meaning he wasn't Elijah reincarnated. But Jesus unambiguously identifies John as the prophesied Elijah figure. This apparent contradiction resolves when we understand: John denied being literally Elijah; Jesus affirmed he fulfilled Elijah's prophesied role. Elijah himself appeared with Moses at Jesus's Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8), confirming he hadn't been reincarnated as John. Yet after seeing Elijah, the disciples asked about Malachi's prophecy (Matthew 17:10-13), and Jesus again identified John as its fulfillment. The early church used this as apologetic proof: Malachi's prophecy was fulfilled, therefore Jesus is Messiah. It also taught Christians how to read Old Testament prophecy: not wooden literalism but Spirit-guided understanding of typological fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that recognizing John as Elijah requires willingness to 'receive it'—how does spiritual receptivity affect understanding?
  2. How does this example of prophecy fulfillment (typological rather than literal) inform how you interpret other Old Testament predictions?
  3. What does John's self-effacement (denying greatness while Jesus affirms it) teach about humility and proper self-assessment?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
καὶ1 of 10

“And”

G2532

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

εἰ2 of 10

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

θέλετε3 of 10

“ye will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δέξασθαι,4 of 10

“receive”

G1209

to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτός5 of 10

“it this”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν6 of 10

“is”

G2076

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

Ἠλίας7 of 10

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

ὁ8 of 10

“which”

G3588

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

μέλλων9 of 10

“was for”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

ἔρχεσθαι10 of 10

“to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

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 11:14 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 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:5Mark 9:11-13Matthew 17:10-13Luke 1:17John 1:21-23Ezekiel 2:5

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