18The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, summoning two of his disciples, [7:19] sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the Coming One, or should we look for another?" [7:20] When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the Coming One, or should we look for another?'" [7:21] In that hour he cured many people of diseases and severe afflictions and evil spirits, and on many blind people he bestowed sight. [7:22] And he answered them, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the destitute have good news proclaimed to them. [7:23] And blessed is the one who is not caused to stumble on account of me."
LUK 7:18-23
Johnʼs Inquiry
In the world it was spoken into
In the 1st century, John the Baptist’s inquiry about Jesus’ identity reflects the heightened messianic expectations among Jews under Roman occupation. The term ' ' (the coming one) was steeped in eschatological hope, evoking prophecies of a deliverer who would restore Israel. John, imprisoned by Herod Antipas, likely sought clarity amid conflicting reports of Jesus’ actions. Jesus’ response—healing diseases, casting out evil spirits, and restoring sight to the blind—echoed Isaiah’s messianic promises (Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1). These acts were not merely miraculous but signaled the inbreaking of God’s kingdom, challenging Roman imperial claims of power and Jewish expectations of a political liberator. The term '' (Lord) carried dual resonance: a title of respect in Greco-Roman contexts and a divine claim in Jewish tradition. Jesus’ ministry to the '' (destitute) and those afflicted by '' (severe scourges) underscored his mission to the marginalized, subverting societal hierarchies and embodying the upside-down values of God’s reign.
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How other translations render this
LUK 7:18
- KJV
- And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
- BSB
- Then Johnʼs disciples informed him about all these things.
- Koinōnos
- The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, summoning two of his disciples,
LUK 7:19
- KJV
- And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
- BSB
- 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?”
- Koinōnos
- sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the Coming One, or should we look for another?
LUK 7:20
- KJV
- When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
- BSB
- 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?’”
- Koinōnos
- When the men came to him, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the Coming One, or should we look for another?'
LUK 7:21
- KJV
- And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
- BSB
- At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind.
- Koinōnos
- In that hour he cured many people of diseases and severe afflictions and evil spirits, and on many blind people he bestowed sight.
LUK 7:22
- KJV
- Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
- BSB
- So He replied, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
- Koinōnos
- And he answered them, "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the destitute have good news proclaimed to them.
LUK 7:23
- KJV
- And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- BSB
- Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
- Koinōnos
- And blessed is the one who is not caused to stumble on account of me.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
LUK 7:19
- Lord:The word translated 'Lord' here could refer to a master or a respected person, but in this context, it carries the weight of divine authority, acknowledging Jesus's unique status.
- coming [One],:The phrase 'the coming One' was a recognized title in Jewish expectation, referring to the Messiah whose arrival was eagerly awaited.
LUK 7:21
- and:The word translated 'and' here is actually a term for a 'scourge' or 'whip,' often used metaphorically for severe affliction or disease.
LUK 7:22
- deaf:The word translated 'deaf' here is actually the term for 'poor' or 'beggar,' indicating someone utterly destitute and dependent on others.