John 1:21 shows the direct question John answers: he denies being Elijah or the Prophet — the very identities referenced here.

John 1:24 identifies the questioners as Pharisees sent from the Jews, providing the immediate context for this inquiry.

John 3:28 has John himself later stating 'I am not the Messiah,' confirming the denial implied in this verse.

Malachi 4:5 promises Elijah's coming before the Lord's day — the prophecy that prompts the question about John being Elijah.

Matthew 21:25 echoes the same question of John's baptism authority, linking the identity debate here to the broader challenge of John's legitimacy.

1 Kings 17:1 introduces Elijah's prophetic ministry — the figure they ask John about, though John denies being Elijah.

Matthew 3:6 describes the baptism John performed — the practice that leads to their question about why he baptizes.

Matthew 17:10 records the disciples' question about Elijah coming first — the same scribal expectation behind the Pharisees' query to John.

Mark 6:15 lists the same mistaken identities (Elijah, prophet) that John denies here, showing the popular speculation about him.

Luke 9:19 records similar speculation about Jesus (John, Elijah, prophet), mirroring the identities John rejects here.