Matthew 11:16-17
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus compares this generation to children in the marketplace who refuse to play any game, no matter how the others try to please them. This highlights their profound immaturity and their stubborn refusal to engage with either John the Baptist's austere call to repentance or Jesus's own more accessible ministry. Their constant complaining and dissatisfaction reveal a deeper issue than just personal preference; it's a fundamental unwillingness to accept God's messengers.
Jesus describes the people of his generation as stubborn children playing in the marketplace who refuse to join in any game, whether it's a wedding celebration or a funeral lament. He contrasts their unresponsiveness with the different approaches taken by John the Baptist (austere) and himself (sociable), neither of which satisfied them. This illustrates their general fickleness and refusal to accept God's message, no matter the messenger or method.
Imagine children at play, but instead of fun, there's a strange dissatisfaction. Jesus uses this vivid image to describe a generation that couldn't be pleased, no matter what.
Jesus compares "this generation" to children in the marketplace who initiate games but then reject any response from their playmates.
Two Games, No Joy
This isn't just about children's games; it's a powerful metaphor for the spiritual state of the people Jesus was addressing. They were so set in their ways and predisposed to dissatisfaction that nothing could win them over.
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Why were they so hard to please? Jesus reveals that their problem wasn't with the games, but with their unwillingness to engage, a pattern seen in how they responded to both John and Himself.
The core issue with this generation was their stubborn refusal to respond positively, regardless of the approach.
Contrasting Messengers, Same Rejection
Jesus’ point is that they were looking for excuses, not for God. They criticized John for being too severe and Jesus for being too lenient. Their dissatisfaction with both approaches exposed their own hardened hearts.
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 passage highlights the deep frustration Jesus felt with the people of His day. Despite the radically different approaches of John the Baptist (austere and prophetic) and Jesus Himself (social and relational), neither could win the approval of the generation, who were as fickle and hard to please as children refusing to join in any game.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist begins ministry
John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them.
c. AD 29
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus is baptized by John and begins His public ministry in Galilee, preaching, teaching, and performing miracles.
c. AD 30
John the Baptist imprisoned
John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage.
c. AD 30
Jesus sends out the Twelve Apostles
Jesus commissions His twelve disciples, giving them authority to heal and cast out demons, sending them out to preach that the kingdom of heaven is near.
c. AD 30
John the Baptist's disciples question Jesus
John the Baptist, hearing about Jesus' ministry from prison, sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one who is to come or if they should expect another.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus critiques John's generation
Jesus responds to John's disciples by pointing to His miracles as evidence of His identity and then pronounces a strong judgment on the unresponsiveness of the generation, comparing them to fickle children in the marketplace.
c. AD 33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified in Jerusalem and rises from the dead on the third day, completing His earthly ministry.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' complaint by describing how this generation reacted to both John the Baptist and Jesus himself, comparing them to children in the marketplace who are displeased no matter the tune played.
Isaiah 5:11-12This prophetic passage describes those who pursue pleasure and revelry without regard for God, setting a backdrop for Jesus' critique of a generation that seeks entertainment but rejects spiritual truth.
Matthew 23:37Jesus' lament over Jerusalem echoes the sentiment of Matthew 11:16-19, as He expresses a deep desire to gather and protect His people, only to be met with rejection, highlighting a recurring theme of God's persistent outreach met with stubborn resistance.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24This passage speaks to the 'foolishness' of preaching Christ crucified, which contrasts with the worldly wisdom that this generation rejected, showing a similar theme of God's ways being misunderstood by those seeking different signs or messages.
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 children in the marketplace who refuse to play any game, no matter how the others try to please them. This highlights their profound immaturity and their stubborn refusal to engage with either John the Baptist's austere call to repentance or Jesus's own more accessible ministry. Their constant complaining and dissatisfaction reveal a deeper issue than just personal preference; it's a fundamental unwillingness to accept God's messengers.
Jesus describes the people of his generation as stubborn children playing in the marketplace who refuse to join in any game, whether it's a wedding celebration or a funeral lament. He contrasts their unresponsiveness with the different approaches taken by John the Baptist (austere) and himself (sociable), neither of which satisfied them. This illustrates their general fickleness and refusal to accept God's message, no matter the messenger or method.
Jesus describes the people of his generation as stubborn children playing in the marketplace who refuse to join in any game, whether it's a wedding celebration or a funeral lament. He contrasts their unresponsiveness with the different approaches taken by John the Baptist (austere) and himself (sociable), neither of which satisfied them. This illustrates their general fickleness and refusal to accept God's message, no matter the messenger or method.
"“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’" — Jesus compares this generation to children in the marketplace who refuse to play any game, no matter how the others try to please them. This highlights their profound immaturity and their stubborn re…
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