Keraia
Matthew 11

Matthew 11:17

Jesus Testifies about John · Matthew 11:7–19
Read Matthew 11

Translations

Modern
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
Traditional
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
Literal
…saying: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
Latin
…dicunt: Cecinimus vobis, et non saltastis: lamentavimus, et non planxistis.

Original

Greek
English
‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

Notes

Matthew 11:16–19

John’s message was like funeral songs. He lived with strict self-denial, fasting often and not drinking wine (Matthew 11:18; see 3:4). The message of Jesus is more like wedding songs, with feasting and drinking (see 9:9–17). In both cases, the people of this time respond to God's messenger with indifference and rejection.

Matthew 11:2–19

This section starts with John the Baptist’s doubt. It ends by honoring his faith and his work (Matthew 11:7–19). The people's rejection of John (11:16–19) hints at their future rejection of Jesus.

Events

Parallels

Malachi 3:1–5 Luke 7:24–35

Glossary

Funeral Customs Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ Music

Topics

Dancing: General Scriptures Concerning Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Receives the Message from John the Baptist (In Galilee) Jesus, the Christ: Rejected John: Jesus Discourses Upon Music: The Jews Used in Dances Music: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning