Matthew 11:16

16 "But what will I compare this generation to? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

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 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.
15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 "But what will I compare this generation to? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions
17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'
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