New Testament
Matthew 17:11
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Jesus replied, "Elijah does come first, and he will restore all things."
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And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
What Matthew 17:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is affirming the prophetic role of Elijah, who is expected to come before the Messiah. This reference to Elijah signifies a restoration of spiritual order and the fulfillment of God's promises. Jesus indicates that Elijah's coming is essential for preparing the way for the coming of the Kingdom of God. The restoration mentioned implies a return to righteousness and a correction of the wrongs in society. This statement also connects to the Jewish expectation of Elijah's return, which is celebrated during Passover. By stating that Elijah will restore all things, Jesus emphasizes the transformative power of God’s work through His prophets, leading to a renewed relationship between God and His people. This verse highlights the continuity of God's plan throughout history, showing that the coming of Jesus is part of a larger divine narrative that includes the work of Elijah.
How to apply Matthew 17:11 to your life
Understanding the role of Elijah encourages us to recognize the importance of preparation in our spiritual lives. Just as Elijah was to prepare the way for Jesus, we too should prepare our hearts for God's work in our lives and in the world around us.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 17:11 mean about Elijah's coming?
In Matthew 17:11, Jesus states that Elijah will come first to restore all things, highlighting Elijah's prophetic role in preparing the way for the Messiah. This signifies a spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of God's promises, emphasizing the importance of Elijah's return in the context of Jewish expectations and the coming of God's Kingdom.
How does Elijah's role relate to Jesus in this verse?
Elijah's role, as mentioned in Matthew 17:11, is to prepare the way for Jesus, the Messiah. His coming signifies a restoration of spiritual order and righteousness, which is essential for the establishment of God's Kingdom. This connection illustrates the continuity of God's plan, where the work of prophets like Elijah leads to the fulfillment of divine promises through Jesus.
Why is the restoration mentioned in Matthew 17:11 important?
The restoration mentioned in Matthew 17:11 is crucial because it signifies a return to righteousness and a correction of societal wrongs. This restoration is part of God's overarching plan to renew the relationship between Him and His people, preparing them for the transformative work that Jesus will accomplish as the Messiah.
What can we learn from Elijah's role in preparing for Jesus?
Elijah's role in preparing for Jesus teaches us the importance of spiritual readiness in our own lives. Just as Elijah was to prepare the way for the Messiah, we should actively prepare our hearts for God's work, fostering a mindset of anticipation and openness to His transformative power in our lives and communities.
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