King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
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If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.
9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
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Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
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This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
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Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
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From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence,and violent people have been raiding it.
13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
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For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
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And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
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Whoever has ears, let them hear.
16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
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“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 And saying,We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
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“ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
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For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.