Matthew 11:16-19

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Matthew 11:16-24

Christ was going on in the praise of John the Baptist and his ministry, but here stops on a sudden, and turns that to the reproach of those who enjoyed both that, and the ministry of Christ and his apostles too, in vain. As to that generation, we may observe to whom he compares them (Matt. 11:16-19), and as to the particular places he instances in, we may observe with whom he compares them, Matt. 11:20-24. I. As to that generation, the body of the Jewish people at that time. There were many... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Matthew 11:1-30

Matthew 11:1-30 is a chapter in which Jesus is speaking all the time; and, as he speaks to different people and about different things, we hear the accent of his voice vary and change. It will be of the greatest interest to look one by one at the six accents in the voice of Jesus. The Accent Of Confidence ( Matthew 11:1-6 ) 11:1-6 And when Jesus had completed his instructions to the twelve disciples, he left there to go on teaching and to go on making his proclamation in their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation ? The men of that age, the stubborn and perverse Jews; who were pleased with nothing, with no man's ministry, neither with John's, nor with Christ's, but found fault with whatever they heard, or saw done: it is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling to their fellows : that is, the case of such persons may be fitly represented by children in a public market, calling to their companions, to pipe or mourn with them, and who are so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:17

And saying, we have piped unto you, and ye have not danced ,.... The allusion is to Jewish children, who having seen their parents and friends at their festivals and weddings, some play upon the pipe, and others dance to them, mimicked the same in their diversions; and also having observed, at funerals, the mourning women, making their doleful ditties, and others answering to them, acted the part of these persons, expecting their fellows would make their responses, but did not: hence the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:18

For John came neither eating nor drinking ,.... This and the following verse are an explanation of the foregoing "parable"; and this shows, that John and his disciples are the persons that mourned, of which his austere life was a proof: for when he "came", being sent of God, and appeared as a public preacher, he was "neither eating nor drinking"; not that he did not eat or drink at all, otherwise he could not have lived, and discharged his office: but he ate sparingly, very little; and what... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 11:19

The son of man came eating and drinking ,.... Meaning himself, who ate and drank as men usually do, lived in the common way of life, was free and sociable, went to feasts, entertainments, and weddings, when he was invited; and was affable, courteous, and friendly in his deportment, to all men; and they say, behold a man gluttonous , a voracious man, an epicurean, one that indulges his appetite to a very great degree, and in a scandalous manner; a winebibber , a common tippler, one... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? - That is, the Jewish people - την γενεαν ταυτην , this race: and so the word γενεα is often to be understood in the evangelists. In the markets - Or, places of concourse, αγοραις , from αγειρω , I gather together; not a market-place only, but any place of public resort: probably meaning here, places of public amusement. Calling unto their fellows - Or, companions. Instead of εταιροις , companions, many of the best MSS. have ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:17

We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced - We have begun the music, which should have been followed by the dance, but ye have not attended to it. We have mourned - and ye have not lamented - Ye have not smote the breast: ουκ εκοψασθε , from κοπτομαι , to strike, or beat the breasts with the hands, particularly in lamentation. So used, Nahum 2:7 ; Luke 18:13 ; Luke 23:48 , and by the best Greek and Roman writers. There is an allusion here to those funeral lamentations... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:18

For John came neither eating nor drinking - Leading a very austere and mortified life: and yet, he did not receive him. A sinner will not be persuaded that what he has no mind to imitate can come from God. There are some who will rather blame holiness itself, than esteem it in those whom they do not like. He hath a devil - He is a vile hypocrite, influenced by a demon to deceive and destroy the simple. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 11:19

The Son of man came eating and drinking - That is, went wheresoever he was invited to eat a morsel of bread, and observed no rigid fasts: how could he, who had no corrupt appetites to mortify or subdue? They say, Behold a man gluttonous, etc. - Whatever measures the followers of God may take, they will not escape the censure of the world: the best way is not to be concerned at them. Iniquity, being always ready to oppose and contradict the Divine conduct, often contradicts and exposes... read more

Group of Brands