King James Version

What Does Matthew 17:12 Mean?

Matthew 17:12 in the King James Version says “But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Li... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

Matthew 17:12 · KJV


Context

10

And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?

11

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.

12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.

13

Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

14

And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Palestine was marked by religious fervor and political tension. The passage reflects interactions between Jesus and various groups: Pharisees, Sadducees, disciples, and crowds. Each audience received teaching tailored to their needs and spiritual condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
λέγω1 of 27

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

δὲ2 of 27

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 27

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 27

That

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἠλίας5 of 27

Elias

G2243

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

ἤδη6 of 27

already

G2235

even now

ἦλθεν7 of 27

is come

G2064

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

καὶ8 of 27

also

G2532

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

οὐκ9 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπέγνωσαν10 of 27

they knew

G1921

to know upon some mark, i.e., recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge

αὐτῶν11 of 27

him

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

ἀλλ'12 of 27

but

G235

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

ἐποίησαν13 of 27

have done

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἐν14 of 27

unto

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῶν15 of 27

him

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

ὅσα16 of 27

whatsoever

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἠθέλησαν·17 of 27

they listed

G2309

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

οὕτως18 of 27

Likewise

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ19 of 27

also

G2532

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

20 of 27
G3588

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

υἱὸς21 of 27

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ22 of 27
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπου23 of 27

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

μέλλει24 of 27

shall

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

πάσχειν25 of 27

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ὑπ'26 of 27

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

αὐτῶν27 of 27

him

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


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 17:12 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 17:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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