For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
The criticism of John the Baptist as having a demon isn't just about his unusual diet; it reveals a deep-seated rejection of anything that deviates from the ordinary, especially when that deviation points to a divine calling. They couldn't reconcile his radical lifestyle with God's activity, choosing instead to label it as madness.
For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is contrasting the rigid, ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist with his own more public and social ministry. Despite both men being sent by God with messages of truth, the people rejected them, criticizing John for being too severe and Jesus for being too lenient, showing their general unwillingness to accept divine messages in any form.
John the Baptist lived a life of extreme self-denial. Yet, instead of admiration, he faced accusations of demonic possession. Why would such a life draw such harsh criticism?
Austerity as a Sign of Madness
The people Jesus is addressing refused to accept either John the Baptist or Jesus. When John came living an extremely ascetic life – neither eating nor drinking like typical people – they twisted it into a sign of mental instability, specifically demonic possession.
Jesus then points out that even His own approach – the complete opposite of John's – was also met with harsh criticism. How does this reveal the core problem?
No Middle Ground for Them
Jesus highlights that His own ministry, which was social and engaged with people's lives, also drew severe condemnation. This contrast demonstrates that the issue wasn't with John's lifestyle or Jesus' lifestyle, but with the people's hardened hearts.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
daimonion · Greek Noun
A person possessing a demon; used in the New Testament to describe someone under the influence or control of a fallen spiritual being, often attributed to those whose behavior or message was rejected by the religious establishment.
This verse highlights the deep division and misunderstanding in first-century Judea. While Jesus and John the Baptist were fulfilling prophetic roles, the religious establishment and general populace reacted with suspicion and condemnation rather than faith, often misinterpreting their actions and motives.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the Judean wilderness, preaching repentance and baptizing people. His ascetic lifestyle and radical message draw large crowds.
c. AD 29
Jesus' Ministry Begins and John is Imprisoned
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, attracting followers with his teachings and miracles. Meanwhile, John the Baptist is imprisoned by Herod Antipas for denouncing his unlawful marriage.
c. AD 29— this verse
John's Doubt and Jesus' Response
From prison, John the Baptist sends messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the expected Messiah. Jesus responds by detailing his miraculous works, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy. This leads to Jesus' discourse on John and the people's fickle reactions.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry Continues Amidst Opposition
Jesus continues teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Judea. He faces increasing opposition and criticism from religious leaders like the Pharisees and scribes, who question his authority and actions.
This passage directly parallels Matthew 11:18 by stating, 'For John the Baptist came neither eating nor drinking, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’’ It reinforces the idea that John's ascetic lifestyle was met with accusations of demon possession.
Matthew 11:19Immediately following this verse, Jesus contrasts John's reception with His own, stating, 'The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’' This highlights the unreasonable and contradictory nature of the generation's criticism towards both figures.
John 7:20In this verse, Jesus is accused by the crowd, 'You have a demon.' This shows that the accusation of being demon-possessed was a common slander used against Jesus and His associates when people couldn't understand or accept their message and actions.
Matthew 11:16-17These verses introduce the analogy of children in the marketplace who complain regardless of the tune played. This sets the stage for understanding why John's behavior was criticized: no matter what approach Jesus or John took, the people were determined to find fault, just like unreasonable children.
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…
pulpitMatthew 11:18: "For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil."
Verse 18. - For John came neither eating (Matthew 3:4) nor drinking (Luke 1:15), and they say, He hath a devil; i.e. he is possessed of strange and melancholy fancies (see Bishop Westcott on John 7:20).
The criticism of John the Baptist as having a demon isn't just about his unusual diet; it reveals a deep-seated rejection of anything that deviates from the ordinary, especially when that deviation points to a divine calling. They couldn't reconcile his radical lifestyle with God's activity, choosing instead to label it as madness.
Jesus is contrasting the rigid, ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist with his own more public and social ministry. Despite both men being sent by God with messages of truth, the people rejected them, criticizing John for being too severe and Jesus for being too lenient, showing their general unwillingness to accept divine messages in any form.
Jesus is contrasting the rigid, ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist with his own more public and social ministry. Despite both men being sent by God with messages of truth, the people rejected them, criticizing John for being too severe and Jesus for being too lenient, showing their general unwillingness to accept divine messages in any form.
"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’" — The criticism of John the Baptist as having a demon isn't just about his unusual diet; it reveals a deep-seated rejection of anything that deviates from the ordinary, especially when that deviation p…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026