The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917], at sacred-texts.com
Matthew Chapter 11
blessed
In prison, the King rejected, John's faith wavers; the Lord exhorts and encourages His servant.
Compare (Joh 15:20); (Isa 42:3).
greater
Positionally greater, not morally. John the Baptist was as great morally, as any man "born of woman," but as to the kingdom he but announced it at hand. The kingdom did not then come, but was rejected, and John was martyred, and the King presently crucified. The least in the kingdom when it is set up in glory
(see "Kingdom (New Testament); (Luk 1:31-33); (Co1 15:24)
will be in the fullness of power and glory. It is not heaven which is in question, but Messiah's kingdom.
(See Scofield) - (Mat 3:2).
(See Scofield) - (Mat 6:33).
kingdom
(See Scofield) - (Mat 3:2).
suffereth violence
It has been much disputed whether the "violence" here is external, as against the kingdom in the persons of John the Baptist and Jesus; or that, considering the opposition of the scribes and Pharisees, only the violently resolute would press into it. Both things are true. The King and His herald suffered violence, and this is the primary and greater meaning, but also, some were resolutely becoming disciples.
Compare (Luk 16:16).
this is Elias
(See Scofield) - (Mat 17:10).
devil
demon.
(See Scofield) - (Mat 7:22).
Son of man
(See Scofield) - (Mat 8:20).
sinners
Sin
(See Scofield) - (Rom 3:23).
Then
The kingdom of heaven announced as "at hand" by John the Baptist, by the King Himself, and by the twelve, and attested by mighty works, has been morally rejected. The places chosen for the testing of the nation, Chorazin, Bethsaida, etc. having rejected both John and Jesus, the rejected King now speaks of judgment. The final official rejection is later. (Mat 27:31-37).
hell
(See Scofield) - (Luk 16:23).
All things
Kingdom.
(See Scofield) - (Mat 12:3).
Come
The new message of Jesus. The rejected King now turns from the rejecting nation and offers, not the kingdom, but rest and service to such in the nation as are conscious of the need. It is a pivotal point in the ministry of Jesus.