Matthew 11:8

8 But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces.

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

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

Matthew 11:8 In-Context

6 and blessed is every one who does not stumble and fall because of my claims."

7 When the messengers had taken their leave, Jesus proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces.

9 But why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet.

10 This is he of whom it is written, "`See I am sending My messenger before Thy face, and he will make Thy road ready before Thee.'