Luke 7:24

24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

Luke 7:24 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John,What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
English Standard Version (ESV)
24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
New Living Translation (NLT)
24 After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind?
The Message Bible (MSG)
24 After John's messengers left to make their report, Jesus said more about John to the crowd of people. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper?
American Standard Version (ASV)
24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
24 When John's messengers had left, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. "What did you go into the desert to see? Tall grass swaying in the wind?
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
24 After John's messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
24 So John's messengers left. Then Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John. He said, "What did you go out into the desert to see? Tall grass waving in the wind?

Luke 7:24 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 7:24

And when the messengers of John were departed
The Syriac and Persic versions read, "the disciples of John"; and the Arabic version, "the two disciples of John"; the two that he sent, when they were gone back with the answer of Christ;

he,
"Jesus", as the Persic version expresses it,

began to speak unto the people concerning John;
not caring to say any thing about him to the messengers, or whilst they were present, lest he should be charged with flattery; (See Gill on Matthew 11:7)

What went ye into the wilderness for to see? a reed shaken with the
wind?
an inconsistent, wavering, and unstable man? if so, they were greatly mistaken; or the motions and gesture of the man? (See Gill on Matthew 11:7).

Luke 7:24 In-Context

22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosyare cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.
23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?
25 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
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