The UDB uses a verse bridge to combine verses 12 and 13, giving the information Jesus is telling them in an order that is easier to understand. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge]])
# Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?
Prophecy foretold that Elijah would come again from heaven. Then the Messiah, who is the Son of Man, would come to rule and reign. Other prophecies also foretold that the Son of Man would suffer and be hated by people. The disciples are confused how both could be true.
# that Elijah must come first
The scribes taught that Elijah would come back to earth before the Messiah came. AT: "that Elijah must come first before the Messiah comes" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
As Jesus is teaching his disciples, he asks this question and then tells his disciples the answer. This may be expressed as a statement. AT: "But I also want you to consider what is written about the Son of Man. The scriptures say that he must suffer many things and be hated. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
It may be helpful to state what people did to him. AT: "our leaders treated him very badly, just as they wanted to do" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])