Matthew 11:16

16 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

Matthew 11:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 11:16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation?
The men of that age, the stubborn and perverse Jews; who were pleased with nothing, with no man's ministry, neither with John's, nor with Christ's, but found fault with whatever they heard, or saw done:

it is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling to
their fellows:
that is, the case of such persons may be fitly represented by children in a public market, calling to their companions, to pipe or mourn with them, and who are so morose and sullen as to do neither: for the men of that generation, are not the good natured children, that called to their fellows, and were willing to join in innocent diversions and exercises; but rather John the Baptist, Christ and his disciples, who may be compared to "children", for their harmlessness and simplicity; and are represented as "sitting in markets", places of concourse, where much people met together; which may intend the synagogues and temple, and other public places, which they made use of to publish their doctrines in, to preach to, and exhort the people; and as "calling to their fellows", to their contemporaries, to those of their own nation, by the external ministry of the word.

Matthew 11:16 In-Context

14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

15 He who has ears, let him hear.

16 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:

17 ‘We played the flute 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 has a demon!’