Matthew 11:8

8 But what went you out to see? a man delicately clothed? Those who have fair robes are in kings' houses.

Matthew 11:8 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:8

But what went ye out for to see?
&c.] Since it cannot be thought it was to see the reeds in the wilderness blow to and fro by the wind, or a man like one of them, either in gesture or doctrine; was it to see

a man clothed in soft raiment?
In raiment made of soft materials, as fine wool, cotton, silk such as Mecaenos wore, and who was therefore called Malacinus ^F25: one finely dressed, and richly apparelled, draws the eyes of persons to him; but such an one is not to be expected in a wilderness: and if the Jews went to see such a person, they were greatly disappointed; for John's raiment was of camel's hair, undressed, and he had a leathern girdle about his loins; and as for his diet, it was locusts and wild honey: no,

behold they that wear soft clothing,
or, as Luke says, are "gorgeously apparelled"; to which he adds,

and live delicately, are in kings' houses,
or "courts"; not in a desert, where John came preaching, nor in a prison, where he now was: he was no light, inconstant, flattering person, as generally courtiers are; had he, he would not have been in a prison; it was for his uprightness and faithfulness, in reproving Herod the king, that he was in such a place and condition. Thus from his very garb and diet, his character is vindicated from the charge of levity and change.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 Alex. ab Alex. Genial Dier. 1. 5. c. 18.

Matthew 11:8 In-Context

6 And a blessing will be on him who has no doubts about me.

7 And when they were going away, Jesus, talking of John, said to all the people, What went you out into the waste land to see? a tall stem moving in the wind?

8 But what went you out to see? a man delicately clothed? Those who have fair robes are in kings' houses.

9 But why did you go out? to see a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10 This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.