Luke 7:31-32
“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus isn't just asking a rhetorical question here; He's deliberately pausing to search for the perfect, relatable analogy to capture the frustrating stubbornness of his generation. This isn't a casual observation, but a strategic choice to use a common, childlike game to expose their unreasonable rejection of both John the Baptist and himself.
Following the rejection of Jesus' invitation to celebrate with him, and the prior rejection of John the Baptist’s call to repentance, Jesus observes the deep-seated resistance of the people. He then poses a rhetorical question to introduce a parable comparing this generation to spoiled children who refuse to engage in any game, no matter how it's proposed.
Ever feel like no matter what you do, some people just won't be satisfied? Jesus felt that way too.
Jesus begins this passage by posing a question, not out of uncertainty, but to capture His listeners' attention for a crucial illustration. He asks, 'To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like?'
This isn't just a rhetorical question; it highlights a deep frustration. Jesus is about to describe a generation that was incredibly hard to please. They were like children playing in the marketplace who refused to join in any game, no matter how their peers tried to engage them. They were presented with two very different 'games' – the austere ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus' own more social approach – and rejected both.
This reveals a generation stuck in their own way, unwilling to adapt or respond to God's diverse methods of reaching them. Their problem wasn't with the messengers, but with their own stubborn hearts.
Some reject God's wisdom, but true followers embrace it, no matter the disguise.
Jesus uses the illustration of children playing to show a fundamental difference: some children will play any game, while others refuse. The ones who will play are described as 'Wisdom's children.'
This means that those who truly belong to God, those who are genuinely seeking Him, will recognize His wisdom when it appears, even if it comes in unexpected forms. They don't get stuck on the packaging.
When John the Baptist came, living an austere life, they said he was demon-possessed. When Jesus came, eating and drinking with people, they called him a glutton and a friend of sinners. Both were God's messengers, sent by Wisdom, but the critics couldn't see it. True followers, however, 'are justified by her children' – they recognize and affirm God's wisdom, whether it looks like John's desert austerity or Jesus' relational ministry.
Understand the original words
genea · Greek Noun
Referring to the contemporary group of people living at the time of Jesus, often characterized by spiritual blindness or rejection of God's messengers.
c. AD 27
John the Baptist begins ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them. His ministry is marked by an austere lifestyle and a powerful message.
c. AD 28
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus starts His public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. His approach is often characterized by fellowship, eating with people, and associating with various social groups.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus encounters rejection
Many in Judea and Galilee are exposed to both John's and Jesus' ministries, but significant segments of the religious elite and their followers remain critical and unresponsive to either.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Despite the varying reactions, Jesus' ministry culminates in His death and resurrection, which becomes the central message of His followers.
This passage presents the same core analogy of a stubborn generation refusing to respond to God's messengers, directly paralleling Jesus' frustration here in Luke.
Luke 7:29-30These verses immediately preceding set the stage by showing how the common people and tax collectors embraced John's message and justified God, while the religious leaders rejected God's plan for them, highlighting the specific 'generation' Jesus is addressing.
1 Corinthians 1:27This passage speaks to God's wisdom in choosing the 'foolish' and 'weak' things of the world, which resonates with Jesus' lament that even the outcasts were more receptive than the self-proclaimed wise leaders of His generation.
Proverbs 27:7While not a direct quote, the sentiment that a 'hungry soul' finds value in things others disdain aligns with Jesus' point that the 'children of Wisdom' (those truly seeking God) would recognize Him and John, unlike the jaded generation who rejected both.
barnesLuke 7:31: "And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?"
See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 11:16-19 . "And the Lord said." This clause is wanting in almost all the manuscripts, and is omitted by the best critics.
calvinLuke 7:29-35: "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John."
- But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children, who sit in the market-place, and call out to their companions, 17. And say, We have played on the flute to you, and you have not danced; we have sung mournful airs to you, and you have not lamented. 18. For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19. The Son of man came ea…
Jesus isn't just asking a rhetorical question here; He's deliberately pausing to search for the perfect, relatable analogy to capture the frustrating stubbornness of his generation. This isn't a casual observation, but a strategic choice to use a common, childlike game to expose their unreasonable rejection of both John the Baptist and himself.
Following the rejection of Jesus' invitation to celebrate with him, and the prior rejection of John the Baptist’s call to repentance, Jesus observes the deep-seated resistance of the people. He then poses a rhetorical question to introduce a parable comparing this generation to spoiled children who refuse to engage in any game, no matter how it's proposed.
Following the rejection of Jesus' invitation to celebrate with him, and the prior rejection of John the Baptist’s call to repentance, Jesus observes the deep-seated resistance of the people. He then poses a rhetorical question to introduce a parable comparing this generation to spoiled children who refuse to engage in any game, no matter how it's proposed.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Luke 7:31-32 is available in the Sola app.
"“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,
“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a…" — Jesus isn't just asking a rhetorical question here; He's deliberately pausing to search for the *perfect*, relatable analogy to capture the frustrating stubbornness of his generation. This isn't a ca…