Matthew 17:10

Matthew 17:10, in plain English

The disciples ask Jesus why the religious teachers say Elijah must come before the Messiah. They've just seen Elijah, and they're confused about how it all fits together.

Why it's here

It's natural to have questions after powerful experiences. The disciples are trying to connect what they just witnessed with what they've been taught.

Who's speaking

The disciples ask Jesus a theological question prompted by the Transfiguration.

Where it sits in the story

Seeing Elijah on the mountain sparked a question. If Elijah was supposed to come first, and Jesus is the Messiah, where does John the Baptist fit in?

The scholarly reading

The disciples' question about Elijah coming prōton ('first') references the eschatological expectation based on Malachi 4:5-6 (3:23-24 LXX). The appearance of Elijah on the mountain prompted this question about prophetic sequence.

Language and setting

Scribal teaching held that Elijah must return before the Messiah to restore all things. Having just seen Elijah, the disciples wonder how this fits the eschatological timeline.

Voice

The disciples ask Jesus about the scribal teaching regarding Elijah's return.

Significance

The Transfiguration raises a theological question: if Elijah just appeared briefly, what about the prophecy that Elijah must come first to prepare the way?

8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.

9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Do not tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”

11Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.

12But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.”

Read all of Matthew 17 — Three disciples witness Jesus transfigured in blinding light alongside Moses and Elijah. Then they come back down to a world that still needs healing.