Word Pictures in the New Testament - David Cox

Word Pictures in the NT [Matthew: Chapter 11].
longed for reassurance.
11:4 {The things which ye do hear and see} (\ha akouete kai
blepete\). This symbolical message was for John to interpret, not
for them.
11:5 {And the dead are raised up} (\kai nekroi egeirontai\). Like
that of the son of the widow of Nain. Did he raise the dead also
on this occasion? "Tell John your story over again and remind him
of these prophetic texts, Isa 35:5; 61:1" (Bruce). The items
were convincing enough and clearer than mere eschatological
symbolism. "The poor" in particular have the gospel, a climax.
11:6 {Whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in me}
(\hos an m• skandalisth•i en emoi\). Indefinite relative clause
with first aorist passive subjunctive. This beatitude is a rebuke
to John for his doubt even though in prison. Doubt is not a proof
of superior intellect, scholarship, or piety. John was in the fog
and that is the time not to make serious decisions. "In some way
even the Baptist had found some occasion of stumbling in Jesus"
(Plummer).
11:7 {As these went their way} (\tout•n poreuomen•n\). Present
participle genitive absolute. The eulogy of Jesus was spoken as
the two disciples of John were going away. Is it a matter of
regret that they did not hear this wondrous praise of John that
they might cheer him with it? "It may almost be called the
funeral oration of the Baptist, for not long afterwards Herodias
compassed his death" (Plummer). {A reed shaken by the wind}
(\kalamon hupo anemou saleuomenon\). Latin _calamus_. Used of the
reeds that grew in plenty in the Jordan Valley where John
preached, of a staff made of a reed (Mt 27:29), as a measuring
rod (Re 11:1), of a writer's pen (3Jo 1:13). The reeds by the
Jordan bent with the wind, but not so John.
11:9 {And much more than a prophet} (\kai perissoteron
proph•tou\). Ablative of comparison after \perissoteron\ itself
comparative though meaning exceeding (surrounded by,
overflowing). John had all the great qualities of the true
prophet: "Vigorous moral conviction, integrity, strength of will,
fearless zeal for truth and righteousness" (Bruce). And then he
was the Forerunner of the Messiah (Mal 3:1).
11:11 {He that is but little} (\ho mikroteros\). The Authorized
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