Matthew 11:9

Matthew 11:9

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.

a. NLT: Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet.

b. NIV: Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

c. Young’s Literal Translation: 'But what went ye out to see? -- a prophet? yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet,

d. Amplified Bible: But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one [^[b]out of the common, more eminent, more remarkable, and] superior to a prophet.

e. Worrell Translation: But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yea, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

1. “But what went ye out for to see?...”

a. but [235 * alla] [Strong: neuter plural of 243; properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations):--and, but (even), howbeit, indeed, nay, nevertheless, no, notwithstanding, save, therefore, yea, yet.]

b. what [5101 * tis] [Strong: probably emphatic of 5100; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions):--every man, how (much), + no(-ne, thing), what (manner, thing), where (-by, -fore, -of, -unto, - with, -withal), whether, which, who(-m, -se), why.]

c. went ye out [1831 * exerchomai] [Strong: from 1537 and 2064; to issue (literally or figuratively):--come (forth, out), depart (out of), escape, get out, go (abroad, away, forth, out, thence), proceed (forth), spread abroad.]

d. to see [1492 * eido] [Strong: a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent 3700 and 3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know:--be aware, behold, X can (+ not tell), consider, (have) know(-ledge), look (on), perceive, see, be sure, tell, understand, wish, wot.]

2. “…A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.”

a. prophet [4396 * prophetes] [Strong: from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet.]

b. yea [3483 * nai] [Strong: a primary particle of strong affirmation; yes:--even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.]

c. I say [3004 * lego] [Strong: a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas 2036 and 5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while 4483 is properly to break silence merely, and 2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:--ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.]

d. unto you [5213 * humin] [Strong:  irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you:--ye, you, your(-selves).]

e. and [2532 * aki] [Strong: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

f. more [4055 * perissoteros] [Strong: comparative of 4053; more superabundant (in number, degree or character):--more abundant, greater (much) more, overmuch.] [Zodhiates: more abundant, greater, more.] [Thayer: exceeding some number or measure or rank or need, over and above, more than is necessary, superadded, exceeding abundantly, supremely, something further, more, much more than all, more plainly, superior, extraordinary, surpassing, uncommon, pre-eminence, superiority, advantage, more eminent, more remarkable, more excellent.]

1). Jesus said that John the Baptist was in rank, was exceedingly above all the other prophets, supreme, superior and more eminent.

g. prophet [4396 * prophetes] [Strong: from a compound of 4253 and 5346; a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet:--prophet.]

1). Jesus was saying here that John the Baptist was not just a prophet, he was more than a prophet, he was the forerunner to the Messiah. Because of that calling Jesus went on to say that John was the greatest prophet born of a woman.