Matthew 11:4

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 11:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see:
Matthew 11:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 11

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4And Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and tell John the things which ye hear and see:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Jesus answered and said unto them, etc.] Not by an express declaration, that he was the Messiah that was to come, and they were not to look for any other; but he bids them go, and show John again, those things which ye do hear and see. Christ would have them go back to John in prison, and relate to him the doctrines which they had heard preached by him to the poor; and the miracles which they had seen with their own eyes, then wrought by him; as well as many others, which were attested to them by credible witnesses; for there were at that time about Christ, that had infirmities, plagues, and evil spirits, and that were blind, and he instantly cured them in their presence; (see <420721>Luke…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Go and show John again ... - Jesus referred them for an answer to these miracles. They were proof that he was the Messiah. Prophets had indeed performed miracles, but no prophet had performed so many, or any so important. Jesus, moreover, performed them “in his own name” and by his own power. Prophets had done it by the power of God. Jesus, therefore, performed the works which none but the Messiah could do, and John might easily infer that he was the Christ. The poor have the gospel preached to them - It was predicted of the Messiah that he would preach good tidings to the meek Isaiah 61:1; or, as it is rendered in the New Testament, “He hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor,”…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Go and tell John the things that ye hear and see - Which are a stronger proof of my being the Messiah, than any bare assertion can be. Matthew 11:5”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification