Matthew 11:2
New International Version
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples

New Living Translation
John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus,

English Standard Version
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Berean Standard Bible
Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples

Berean Literal Bible
And John, having heard in prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples,

King James Bible
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

New King James Version
And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples

New American Standard Bible
Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciples,

NASB 1995
Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples

NASB 1977
Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when John in prison heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Amplified Bible
Now when John [the Baptist] in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent word by his disciples

Christian Standard Bible
Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples

American Standard Version
Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

Contemporary English Version
John was in prison when he heard what Christ was doing. So John sent some of his followers

English Revised Version
Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ had done. So he sent his disciples

Good News Translation
When John the Baptist heard in prison about the things that Christ was doing, he sent some of his disciples to him.

International Standard Version
Now when John heard in prison about the activities of the Messiah, he sent a message by his disciples

Majority Standard Bible
Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent two of his disciples

NET Bible
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds Christ had done, he sent his disciples to ask a question:

New Heart English Bible
Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent [a message] by his disciples

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Weymouth New Testament
Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire:

World English Bible
Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples,

Berean Literal Bible
And John, having heard in prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples,

Young's Literal Translation
And John having heard in the prison the works of the Christ, having sent two of his disciples,

Smith's Literal Translation
And John having heard in prison the works of Christ, having sent two of his disciples,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ: sending two of his disciples he said to him:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now when John had heard, in prison, about the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples, he said to him,

New American Bible
When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him

New Revised Standard Version
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But when John heard in prison of the works of Christ, he sent by his disciples,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when Yohannan had heard in prison of the works of The Messiah, he sent by his disciples,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Now when John had heard in the prison of the works of the Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

Godbey New Testament
And John hearing in the prison the works of Christ, sending two of his disciples,

Haweis New Testament
Then John, having heard in prison the works of Christ, sent two of his disciples,

Mace New Testament
in the mean time John having heard in his confinement of the actions of Christ, he sent two of his disciples to ask him,

Weymouth New Testament
Now John had heard in prison about the Christ's doings, and he sent some of his disciples to inquire:

Worrell New Testament
And John, having heard, in the prison, of the works of the Christ, sending by his disciples,

Worsley New Testament
Now when John heard in prison of the works of Christ,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
John's Inquiry
1After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples 3to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”…

Cross References
Luke 7:18-23
Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things. / So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” ...

Matthew 14:3-5
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” / Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! / This is He of whom I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ / I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.” ...

Isaiah 35:4-6
Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” / Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. / Then the lame will leap like a deer and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

Isaiah 61:1-2
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners, / to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of our God’s vengeance, to comfort all who mourn,

Malachi 3:1
“Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts.

Malachi 4:5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. / And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Matthew 3:1-3
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”

Matthew 3:11-12
I baptize you with water for repentance, but after me will come One more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

John 3:26-30
So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” / John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. / You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of Him.’ ...

Luke 3:15-17
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ. / John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. / His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Mark 1:2-4
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” / John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John 5:36
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

John 10:41
Many came to Him and said, “Although John never performed a sign, everything he said about this man was true.”

Acts 19:4
Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”


Treasury of Scripture

Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

in.

Matthew 4:12
Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

Matthew 14:3
For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

Mark 6:17
For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.

he.

Matthew 9:14
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

John 3:25-28
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying…

John 4:1
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

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Christ Christ's Deeds Disciples Doings Heard Imprisoned Inquire John News Prison Word Works
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Christ Christ's Deeds Disciples Doings Heard Imprisoned Inquire John News Prison Word Works
Matthew 11
1. John sends his disciples to Jesus.
7. Jesus' testimony concerning John.
16. The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son.
20. Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum;
25. and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple,
28. he calls to him those who are weary and burdened.














While John was in prison
This phrase sets the scene for the events that follow. John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, is now confined. The Greek word for "prison" here is "δέσμιος" (desmios), which indicates being bound or in chains. Historically, John was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee, for denouncing Herod's unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother's wife. This imprisonment is a significant moment, as it marks a transition from John's active ministry to a period of reflection and inquiry about Jesus' mission. It serves as a reminder of the cost of prophetic truth-telling and the opposition faced by those who stand for righteousness.

he heard about the works of Christ
The phrase "the works of Christ" refers to the miracles and teachings of Jesus. The Greek word for "works" is "ἔργα" (erga), which encompasses deeds, actions, and accomplishments. This indicates that Jesus' ministry was characterized by tangible, observable acts that demonstrated His divine authority and compassion. John's hearing of these works, even from prison, underscores the widespread impact of Jesus' ministry. It also highlights the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, as the works of Christ were signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into the world. This hearing prompts John to seek confirmation of Jesus' identity, reflecting a deep desire for understanding and assurance.

and he sent his disciples
John's action of sending his disciples to Jesus is significant. The Greek word for "sent" is "ἀπέστειλεν" (apesteilen), which implies a deliberate and purposeful mission. Despite being imprisoned, John remains a teacher and leader, guiding his disciples to seek truth directly from Jesus. This act demonstrates John's humility and recognition of Jesus' greater authority. It also serves as a model for believers to seek direct encounters with Christ, especially in times of doubt or uncertainty. John's disciples, acting as messengers, bridge the gap between John and Jesus, symbolizing the transition from the old covenant, represented by John, to the new covenant, inaugurated by Christ.

(2) When John had heard in the prison.--The position of the Baptist was so far that of a prisoner treated with respect. Herod himself observed him, and heard him gladly. Herodias had not yet found an occasion of revenge. His disciples came and went freely. Some of these we have seen (Matthew 9:14) as present when our Lord was teaching, and certain to hear of such wonders as those narrated in Matthew 8, 9. He himself, in the prison of Machaerus, was languishing with the sickness of hope deferred for the Messianic kingdom, which he had proclaimed. His disciples brought back word of what they had seen and heard (Luke 7:18), and yet all things continued as before, and there was no deliverance either for himself or Israel. Under the influence of this disappointment, he sent his two disciples with the question which the next verse records.

Verses 2-24. - JESUS THE ONE THAT SHOULD COME.

(1) Vers. 2-6: The Baptist's question, and its answer: the Coming One has come.

(2) Vers. 7-15: Jesus' recognition of the greatness of John as herald.

(3) Vers. 16-19: Yet both John and he himself are rejected. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Meanwhile,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

John
Ἰωάννης (Iōannēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2491: Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.

heard
ἀκούσας (akousas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

prison
δεσμωτηρίῳ (desmōtēriō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1201: A prison. From a derivative of desmon; a place of bondage, i.e. A dungeon.

[about] the
τὰ (ta)
Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

works
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

of
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

[and] he sent
πέμψας (pempsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3992: To send, transmit, permit to go, put forth.

two
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

of his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples
μαθητῶν (mathētōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.


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