Luke 7:19-20

7:19 and sent them to Jesus 1  to ask, 2  “Are you the one who is to come, 3  or should we look for another?” 7:20 When 4  the men came to Jesus, 5  they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you to ask, 6  ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’” 7 

1 tc ‡ Although most mss (א A W Θ Ψ Ë1 Ï it sy bo) read πρὸς τὸν ᾿Ιησοῦν (pro" ton Ihsoun, “to Jesus”), other important witnesses (B L Ξ Ë13 33 pc sa) read πρὸς τὸν κύριον (pro" ton kurion, “to the Lord”). A decision is difficult in this instance, as there are good witnesses on both sides. In light of this, that “Jesus” is more widespread than “the Lord” with almost equally important witnesses argues for its authenticity.

2 tn Grk “to Jesus, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English.

3 sn Aspects of Jesus’ ministry may have led John to question whether Jesus was the promised stronger and greater one who is to come that he had preached about in Luke 3:15-17.

4 tn Grk “And when.” Here καί (kai) has not been translated because of differences between Greek and English style.

5 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

6 tn Grk “to you, saying,” but since this takes the form of a question, it is preferable to use the phrase “to ask” in English.

7 tn This question is repeated word for word from v. 19.