“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus compares this generation to sulky children who refuse to play, no matter what game is proposed. They aren't looking for fun or solace; they're determined to be displeased and will find fault with any approach offered to them.
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is addressing the generation's persistent grumbling and inability to be pleased, comparing them to children in the marketplace who reject every game proposed by their playmates. This follows John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' own, neither of which satisfied this generation's contradictory demands.
Imagine a game where no one can win. That's how Jesus felt comparing this generation to children in the marketplace.
Jesus uses a vivid analogy to describe the people of His day. He compares them to children playing in the town square. These children try different games to engage their playmates.
The Two Games:
The Problem:
In both scenarios, their playmates refuse to participate. They are deliberately uncooperative, a stark contrast to the joyful or mournful moods being presented. This perfectly mirrors how the generation refused to respond to God's messengers, John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
John the Baptist was an ascetic, Jesus was social. Yet, this generation found fault with both. How is that possible?
Jesus highlights the contradictory and unfair criticisms leveled against Himself and John the Baptist.
The Contrasting Messengers:
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The Generation's Reaction:
Instead of seeing the divine wisdom in two different approaches to reach people, this generation used each style as a reason for rejection:
This shows a deep-seated unwillingness to accept God's messengers, no matter their method.
Even when rejected, God's wisdom ultimately proves itself. But who are its true 'children'?
The verse concludes with a powerful statement: 'Wisdom is justified by her children.' This doesn't mean that those who reject God's wisdom will ever be proven right. Instead, it points to a different reality:
The Contrast:
Who are the 'Children of Wisdom'?
These aren't necessarily those who are intellectually brilliant, but those who respond with faith and humility. In the context of Luke's account (Luke 7:29), it's the 'people and the tax collectors' who, after hearing John, 'justified God,' showing they recognized His work even when the 'Pharisees and the lawyers' despised it.
Even in the face of widespread rejection, God's wisdom is vindicated by those who truly seek Him.
Understand the original words
genea · Greek Noun
A term referring to the contemporaries of Jesus, often used to characterize the spiritual condition of those who rejected the message of John the Baptist and Jesus. It denotes a collective group marked by unbelief and stubbornness.
This generation's fickleness is contrasted with the consistent ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus. Their rejection of both shows a deep-seated unresponsiveness to God's messengers, regardless of their approach.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist begins ministry
John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, begins a ministry of repentance and baptism in the wilderness of Judea. His austere lifestyle and powerful preaching draw large crowds.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee after being baptized by John. He preaches, heals the sick, and calls disciples, adopting a more social and approachable style than John.
c. AD 29
John the Baptist imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his marriage. This event marks a turning point, as Jesus continues His ministry while His forerunner is silenced.
c. AD 30
Jesus sends out the Twelve
Jesus commissions His twelve disciples, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, and sends them out to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near. This further highlights the varied responses to God's messengers.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' analogy, explaining how the people rejected both John the Baptist (like a mournful song) and Jesus (like a festive tune), showing their unreasonableness.
Isaiah 5:11-12This passage describes the consequences of pursuing pleasure and revelry without regard for God, resonating with Jesus' critique of a generation that misused their opportunities for joy and celebration.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29This passage highlights God's wisdom in choosing the seemingly foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong, offering a theological framework for why this 'generation' failed to grasp God's actions through John and Jesus.
Proverbs 24:7This proverb states that 'foolishness is not fit for a fool,' which echoes Jesus' sentiment that true wisdom is not recognized or appreciated by those who are obstinate and unreasonable.
barnesMatthew 11:16: "But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,"
But whereunto shall I liken ... - Christ proceeds to reprove the inconsistency and fickleness of that age of people. He says they were like children - nothing pleased them. He refers here to the "plays" or "sports" of children. Instrumental music, or piping and dancing, were used in marriages and festivals as a sign of joy. See the notes at Isaiah 5:11-1…
calvinMatthew 11:16-19: "But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,"
- 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. Th…
Jesus compares this generation to sulky children who refuse to play, no matter what game is proposed. They aren't looking for fun or solace; they're determined to be displeased and will find fault with any approach offered to them.
Jesus is addressing the generation's persistent grumbling and inability to be pleased, comparing them to children in the marketplace who reject every game proposed by their playmates. This follows John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' own, neither of which satisfied this generation's contradictory demands.
Jesus is addressing the generation's persistent grumbling and inability to be pleased, comparing them to children in the marketplace who reject every game proposed by their playmates. This follows John the Baptist's ministry and Jesus' own, neither of which satisfied this generation's contradictory demands.
"“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates," — Jesus compares this generation to sulky children who refuse to play, no matter what game is proposed. They aren't looking for fun or solace; they're determined to be displeased and will find fault wi…
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Last reviewed October 2026