Matthew 11 7

Matthew 11:7 kjv

And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Matthew 11:7 nkjv

As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Matthew 11:7 niv

As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

Matthew 11:7 esv

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Matthew 11:7 nlt

As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?

Matthew 11 verses

Matthew 11 7 Meaning

Matthew 11:7 captures Jesus turning to the crowds immediately after addressing John the Baptist's disciples, questioning their motives for going into the wilderness to see John. He poses a rhetorical question, asking if they went out to see something easily influenced or without conviction—symbolized by "a reed swayed by the wind." This query served to redirect their focus from superficial expectations to the true, unwavering nature and prophetic stature of John, who stood firm in his divinely appointed role despite his current imprisonment and doubts. Jesus prompts the crowds to consider what kind of prophet they truly witnessed, contrasting him with trivial or fickle sights.

Matthew 11 7 Context

This verse immediately follows a crucial exchange where John the Baptist, imprisoned and perhaps suffering from doubt, sends his disciples to Jesus to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus responds by listing His works of healing and evangelism, then pronounces a blessing on those who do not fall away on account of Him. With John's disciples departing, Jesus shifts His address to the general crowds who had gathered. The sudden rhetorical questions about John served to validate John's ministry and prophetic standing to the public, challenging any superficial understanding or cynical dismissal of John now that he was incarcerated. It reminds them that their initial interest in John wasn't for casual sightseeing or to observe someone fickle, but to encounter a powerful divine messenger.

Matthew 11 7 Word analysis

• As Jesus and his disciples were leaving (Exerchomenon de auton ērxato legein ho Iēsous): The Greek ἐξερχομένων (exerchomenon - leaving, departing) denotes movement, indicating Jesus took the opportunity immediately as John's messengers left. This shows Jesus's immediate affirmation of John's standing, preventing misinterpretation by the crowd.
• he began to speak (ἤρξατο λέγειν - ērxato legein): The phrase emphasizes a deliberate, new initiation of speech by Jesus, specifically directed at the crowds and focused on John. It's not a casual remark but an intentional teaching moment.
• to the crowds (τοῖς ὄχλοις - tois ochlois): Indicates Jesus's public address to the common people who had followed John or gathered to hear Jesus, underscoring the communal and public validation of John's character.
• about John (περὶ Ἰωάννου - peri Ioannou): Specifies the subject matter of Jesus's speech. Jesus clarifies John's true nature after his disciples leave, perhaps anticipating misunderstanding or doubt among the crowds due to John's imprisonment or his direct question to Jesus.
• What did you go out into the wilderness to see? (Τί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι; - Ti exēlthate eis tēn erēmon theasasthai?): This is a rhetorical question designed to provoke self-reflection.
  • ἔρημον (erēmon - wilderness/desert): John conducted his austere ministry in the wild, isolated regions of Judea. This location itself suggested separation from the superficialities of urban life and a commitment to radical transformation, challenging the "seen" (theasasthai) or what they went out to gaze at.
  • θεάσασθαι (theasasthai - to gaze at, behold): Implies a deliberate, attentive act of witnessing, not a casual glance. Jesus suggests their initial pursuit of John was intentional and significant.
• A reed (κάλαμον - kalamon): A common plant growing in marshy areas, particularly abundant along the Jordan River.
  • Figuratively, a reed is often used to symbolize weakness, instability, or insignificance due to its fragility and flexibility.
• swayed by the wind? (ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον; - hypo anemou saleuomenon?): The image of a reed swaying in the wind perfectly illustrates instability, fickleness, and being easily influenced or lacking firm resolve. Jesus asks if they journeyed into the rugged wilderness to see someone so insignificant and wavering. This sharply contrasts with John's known character and preaching. The question implies a negative answer: John was not a person tossed to and fro by popular opinion or worldly pressures.

Matthew 11 7 Bonus section

The question "A reed swayed by the wind?" implicitly rejects common societal values of the time. Public figures and leaders were often perceived as those who would adapt their stance for political expediency or public approval. John, however, was precisely the opposite: austere, confrontational, and unyielding to earthly powers, as evidenced by his challenge to Herod which led to his imprisonment. Thus, Jesus highlights John's unconventional strength and divine conviction against the backdrop of an often compromising world. The scene also highlights a typical pattern of people seeking great prophets but sometimes misunderstanding or rejecting their message due to its demanding nature, demonstrating the boundaries of human expectation versus divine reality.

Matthew 11 7 Commentary

Matthew 11:7 functions as Jesus's profound endorsement of John the Baptist's integrity and purpose, directly confronting any superficial understanding or dismissal of John by the public. By employing rhetorical questions, Jesus guides the crowds to remember the demanding journey they undertook to seek John in the desolate wilderness, implying that such an effort wouldn't be for something trivial like "a reed swayed by the wind." This phrase symbolizes instability, conformity to worldly trends, or a lack of conviction – none of which applied to John. John the Baptist was not one who adjusted his message or lifestyle according to external pressures or popular opinion. Instead, he was steadfast, delivering an unyielding call to repentance, challenging both common people and rulers with fearless conviction. Jesus, therefore, sets John apart as a prophet of unique and unwavering character, ensuring the crowd recognizes the divine authority and unwavering spirit behind his powerful ministry, rather than questioning his current imprisoned state or temporary doubt. This also serves as an indirect critique of the crowds themselves, who might be tempted to be as fickle as the reed, or who went out for wrong expectations.

Examples:

• Instead of seeking the truth, some people only follow popular trends or fleeting interests.
• True conviction remains even when faced with opposition or unfavorable circumstances.