Verse 6 does not give an occasion to assume a direct and intentional reference to Elijah, for clothing and food are not legitimized by reference to the Old Testament. The comparison to Elijah can therefore be regarded only as being indirect. Further, when Jesus speaks about John’s austere clothes and his fasting, he does not draw a direct connection with Elijah, but rather draws a connection to John’s appearance as a preacher of repentance, who calls the people to come to contrition (Matthew 11:18).1
6 Jean avait un vêtement de poils de chameau, et une ceinture de cuir autour des reins. Il se nourrissait de sauterelles et de miel sauvage.