Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

MATTHEW 17:11

"Jesus answered and said to them, “Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things."

In biblical symbolism, this is not about a historical return of Elijah.
It is about the inner sequence by which the soul is prepared for the emergence of the Higher Life.

“Elias shall come” — the awakening of the inner purifier

Elias (Elijah) symbolizes the purifying fire that precedes transformation.

He is the force that:
• exposes distortion
• confronts false tendencies
• burns away the obstructions of the lower nature
• prepares the inner atmosphere for the Higher

This is the soul’s preparatory fire, the inner prophet who clears the way.

“And restore all things” — the reordering of the soul’s inner structure

Restoration here is not returning to the past.
It is the re‑harmonizing of the soul’s faculties so the Higher can descend.

This restoration includes:
• bringing scattered qualities into unity
• re‑aligning the will
• cleansing perception
• re‑establishing the soul’s orientation toward the Spirit

It is the rebuilding of the inner temple.

The inner sequence

Before the Higher Life can rise in consciousness, the soul must undergo:
- Purification (Elias)
- Reordering (restoration)
- Reception (the coming of the Higher)

This is the same pattern as:
- John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ
- Moses preparing Israel for the Presence
- The fire on Sinai before the giving of the Law

The soul must be made ready.

The Esoteric Message.....
Matthew 17:11 teaches that before the Higher Life can manifest in the soul, the inner purifier must arise to cleanse, reorder, and restore the soul’s faculties, preparing the way for transformation.

See Also

BIBLE VERSES