Matthew 11:13

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

Matthew 11:13 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
] These words are to be considered in connection with ( Matthew 11:11 ) and are a further proof of John's being greater than any of the prophets; because all the inspired writers and prophets, who were before him, prophesied of the Messiah as to come; and either spoke of him in obscure terms, or represented him under dark shadows and figures: whereas John spake of him as already come, and in plain terms, and directed to his very person; and since his time, there have been no prophecies concerning the Messiah and his kingdom; vision and prophecy are now sealed up; all which are acknowledged by the Jews themselves, who ^F2 say, (xyvmh twmyl ala wabntn al zlwk Myaybnh lk) , "all the prophets did not prophesy but to, or of the days of the Messiah". This was the subject, and these the limits of their prophecies; for they own ^F3, that

``from the day that the temple was destroyed, (yaybnh Nm) (hawbn hlyjb) , "prophecy was taken away from the prophets".''

Since that time, they confess they have had no prophet ^F4, and that they are not able to observe their signs.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 34. 2. Sabbat, fol. 63. 1. Sanhedrim, fol. 99. 1.
F3 T. Bava Bathra, fol. 12. 1.
F4 Abarbinel in Dan. fol. 63. 4.

Matthew 11:13 In-Context

11 "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.

15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!