Book of Matthew - Chapter 17 - Verse 10

In this verse, the disciples of Jesus are questioning him about the prophecy that Elijah must come before the Messiah. The scribes, who were experts in Jewish law and scripture, believed that Elijah would return as a forerunner to the Messiah, based on the prophecy in Malachi 4:5 which states, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord." The disciples were confused because they had just witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, where Elijah appeared with Moses, leading them to wonder why the scribes insisted that Elijah must come first. Jesus goes on to explain that indeed Elijah had already come in the form of John the Baptist, preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah. This interaction serves to emphasize the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus and his role as the long-awaited Messiah.

In this verse, the disciples of Jesus are asking him about a teaching of the scribes that Elijah must come before the Messiah's arrival. This question reveals the disciples' confusion and desire to understand the teachings they have heard. The mention of Elijah is significant because he was a prophet who was expected to return before the coming of the Messiah, according to Malachi 4:5. This question also highlights the disciples' growing realization that Jesus might indeed be the long-awaited Messiah. The theological interpretation of this verse often focuses on the role of Elijah as a precursor to the coming of the Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus Christ. Word studies may delve into the meanings of 'Elias' (the Greek form of Elijah) and 'scribes' to provide a deeper understanding of the context and implications of this exchange between Jesus and his disciples.