Note: Words are shown in their original Greek order, which differs from English translations. This reflects the emphasis and structure of Scripture as originally written. Click any word to see its full lexicon entry.
1 After Jesus had finished instructing His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Καὶ ἐγένετο ὅτε ἐτέλεσεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς διατάσσων τοῖς δώδεκα μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ μετέβη ἐκεῖθεν τοῦ διδάσκειν καὶ κηρύσσειν ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν αὐτῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 Καὶ καί kaí Conj it came to pass G1096 ἐγένετο γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P when G3753 ὅτε hóte Conj finished G5055 ἐτέλεσεν τελέω teléō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Nom-Sg-M commanding G1299 διατάσσων διατάσσω diatássō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M twelve G1427 δώδεκα dṓdeka Adj-Dat-Pl-M disciples G3101 μαθηταῖς μαθητής mathētḗs N-Dat-Pl-M of Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M He departed G3327 μετέβη μεταβαίνω metabaínō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P from there G1564 ἐκεῖθεν ekeîthen Adv the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-N to teach G1321 διδάσκειν διδάσκω didáskō V-Pres-Act and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to preach G2784 κηρύσσειν κηρύσσω kērýssō V-Pres-Act in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F cities G4172 πόλεσιν πόλις pólis N-Dat-Pl-F her G846 αὐτῶν αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Pl-M
2 Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples
Ὁ δὲ Ἰωάννης ἀκούσας ἐν τῷ δεσμωτηρίῳ τὰ ἔργα τοῦ Χριστοῦ πέμψας διὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing the G3588 Ὁ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M And G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj John G2491 Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Nom-Sg-M having heard G191 ἀκούσας ἀκούω akoúō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-N prison G1201 δεσμωτηρίῳ δεσμωτήριον desmōtḗrion N-Dat-Sg-N the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N works G2041 ἔργα ἔργον érgon N-Acc-Pl-N of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Christ G5547 Χριστοῦ Χριστός Christós N-Gen-Sg-M having sent G3992 πέμψας πέμπω pémpō V-Aor-Act-Nom-Sg-M on account of G1223 διὰ διά diá Prep of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M disciples G3101 μαθητῶν μαθητής mathētḗs N-Gen-Pl-M of him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M
3 to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?”
εἶπεν αὐτῷ σὺ εἶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἢ ἕτερον προσδοκῶμεν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to Him G846 αὐτῷ αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Sg-M You yourself G4771 σὺ σύ sý Pers-Nom-Sg-2P are G1510 εἶ εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-2P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M coming [One] G2064 ἐρχόμενος ἔρχομαι érchomai V-Pres-Mid-Nom-Sg-M or G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj another G2087 ἕτερον ἕτερος héteros Adj-Acc-Sg-M expect(-ation) G4328 προσδοκῶμεν προσδοκάω prosdokáō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-1P
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
Καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς πορευθέντες ἀπαγγείλατε Ἰωάννῃ ἃ ἀκούετε καὶ βλέπετε
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 Καὶ καί kaí Conj answering G611 ἀποκριθεὶς ἀποκρίνομαι apokrínomai V-Aor-Pass-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Nom-Sg-M said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P to them G846 αὐτοῖς αὐτός autós Pers-Dat-Pl-M Having gone G4198 πορευθέντες πορεύομαι poreúomai V-Aor-Pass-Nom-Pl-M do relate G518 ἀπαγγείλατε ἀπαγγέλλω apangéllō V-Aor-Act-Imp-Pl-2P to John G2491 Ἰωάννῃ Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Dat-Sg-M what G3739 ἃ ὅς hós Rela-Acc-Pl-N you hear G191 ἀκούετε ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj see: G991 βλέπετε βλέπω blépō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
τυφλοὶ ἀναβλέπουσιν καὶ χωλοὶ περιπατοῦσιν λεπροὶ καθαρίζονται καὶ κωφοὶ ἀκούουσιν καὶ νεκροὶ ἐγείρονται καὶ πτωχοὶ εὐαγγελίζονται
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Blind G5185 τυφλοὶ τυφλός typhlós Adj-Nom-Pl-M receive sight G308 ἀναβλέπουσιν ἀναβλέπω anablépō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj lame G5560 χωλοὶ χωλός chōlós Adj-Nom-Pl-M walk G4043 περιπατοῦσιν περιπατέω peripatéō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P lepers G3015 λεπροὶ λεπρός leprós Adj-Nom-Pl-M are cleansed G2511 καθαρίζονται καθαρίζω katharízō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj deaf G2974 κωφοὶ κωφός kōphós Adj-Nom-Pl-M hear G191 ἀκούουσιν ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj dead G3498 νεκροὶ νεκρός nekrós Adj-Nom-Pl-M are raised G1453 ἐγείρονται ἐγείρω egeírō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj poor G4434 πτωχοὶ πτωχός ptōchós Adj-Nom-Pl-M are evangelised G2097 εὐαγγελίζονται εὐαγγελίζω euangelízō V-Pres-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P
6 Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
καὶ μακάριός ἐστιν ὃς ἐὰν μὴ σκανδαλισθῇ ἐν ἐμοί
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj blessed G3107 μακάριός μακάριος makários Adj-Nom-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P he who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M only G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Part unless G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega shall fall away G4624 σκανδαλισθῇ σκανδαλίζω skandalízō V-Aor-Pass-Sub-Sg-3P in G1722 ἐν en Prep I G1473 ἐμοί ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Sg-1P
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
Τούτων δὲ πορευομένων ἤρξατο ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγειν τοῖς ὄχλοις περὶ Ἰωάννου τί ἐξήλθατε εἰς τὴν ἔρημον θεάσασθαι κάλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing As these G3778 Τούτων οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Gen-Pl-M now G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj were going away G4198 πορευομένων πορεύομαι poreúomai V-Pres-Mid-Gen-Pl-M began G757 ἤρξατο ἄρχω árchō V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Nom-Sg-M to speak G3004 λέγειν λέγω légō V-Pres-Act to the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M crowds G3793 ὄχλοις ὄχλος óchlos N-Dat-Pl-M concerning G4012 περὶ περί perí Prep John: G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M What G5101 τί τίς tís Inte-Acc-Sg-N went you out G1831 ἐξήλθατε ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P into G1519 εἰς eis Prep the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F wilderness G2048 ἔρημον ἔρημος érēmos Adj-Acc-Sg-F to see? G2300 θεάσασθαι θεάομαι theáomai V-Aor-Mid A reed G2563 κάλαμον κάλαμος kálamos N-Acc-Sg-M by [the] G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó Prep wind G417 ἀνέμου ἄνεμος ánemos N-Gen-Sg-M shaken? G4531 σαλευόμενον σαλεύω saleúō V-Pres-Pass-Acc-Sg-M
8 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces.
ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν ἄνθρωπον ἐν μαλακοῖς ἠμφιεσμένον ἰδοὺ οἱ τὰ μαλακὰ φοροῦντες ἐν τοῖς οἴκοις τῶν βασιλέων εἰσίν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing But G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj what G5101 τί τίς tís Inte-Acc-Sg-N did you go out G1831 ἐξήλθατε ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P to see? G1492 ἰδεῖν εἴδω eídō V-2nd-Act A man G444 ἄνθρωπον ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Acc-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep delicate G3120 μαλακοῖς μαλακός malakós Adj-Dat-Pl-N dressed? G294 ἠμφιεσμένον ἀμφιέννυμι amphiénnymi V-Perf-Pass-Acc-Sg-M Behold G2400 ἰδοὺ ἰδού idoú Intj those G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M the G3588 τὰ ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-N delicate [clothing] G3120 μαλακὰ μαλακός malakós Adj-Acc-Pl-N wearing G5409 φοροῦντες φορέω phoréō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-M houses G3624 οἴκοις οἶκος oîkos N-Dat-Pl-M the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M of kings G935 βασιλέων βασιλεύς basileús N-Gen-Pl-M are G1510 εἰσίν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P
9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
ἀλλὰ τί ἐξήλθατε ἰδεῖν προφήτην ναὶ λέγω ὑμῖν καὶ περισσότερον προφήτου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing But G235 ἀλλὰ ἀλλά allá Conj what G5101 τί τίς tís Inte-Acc-Sg-N did you go out G1831 ἐξήλθατε ἐξέρχομαι exérchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Pl-2P to see? G1492 ἰδεῖν εἴδω eídō V-2nd-Act a prophet? G4396 προφήτην προφήτης prophḗtēs N-Acc-Sg-M Yes G3483 ναὶ ναί naí Part I say G3004 λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P to you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P and [one] G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj more excellent G4055 περισσότερον περισσότερος perissóteros Adj-Acc-Sg-M than a prophet G4396 προφήτου προφήτης prophḗtēs N-Gen-Sg-M
10 This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’
οὗτός ἐστιν περὶ οὗ γέγραπται ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ ἀποστέλλω τὸν ἄγγελόν μου πρὸ προσώπου σου ὃς κατασκευάσει τὴν ὁδόν σου ἔμπροσθέν σου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing For this G3778 οὗτός οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Nom-Sg-M is [he] G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P concerning G4012 περὶ περί perí Prep whom G3739 οὗ ὅς hós Rela-Gen-Sg-M it has been written: G1125 γέγραπται γράφω gráphō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P Behold G2400 ἰδοὺ ἰδού idoú Intj I myself G1473 ἐγὼ ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Nom-Sg-1P send G649 ἀποστέλλω apostéllō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M messenger G32 ἄγγελόν ἄγγελος ángelos N-Acc-Sg-M of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P before G4253 πρὸ πρό pró Prep [the] face G4383 προσώπου πρόσωπον prósōpon N-Gen-Sg-N of You G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P who G3739 ὃς ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Sg-M will prepare G2680 κατασκευάσει κατασκευάζω kataskeuázō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F way G3598 ὁδόν ὁδός hodós N-Acc-Sg-F of You G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P before G1715 ἔμπροσθέν ἔμπροσθεν émprosthen Prep thou G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν οὐκ ἐγήγερται ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν μείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ ὁ δὲ μικρότερος ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Amen G281 Ἀμὴν ἀμήν amḗn HEB I say G3004 λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P to you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega has been raised G1453 ἐγήγερται ἐγείρω egeírō V-Perf-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P among [those] G1722 ἐν en Prep born G1084 γεννητοῖς γεννητός gennētós Adj-Dat-Pl-M of women G1135 γυναικῶν γυνή gynḗ N-Gen-Pl-F one greater G3173 μείζων μέγας mégas Adj-Nom-Sg-M than John G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Baptist G910 βαπτιστοῦ Βαπτιστής Baptistḗs N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Yet G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the least G3398 μικρότερος μικρός mikrós Adj-Nom-Sg-M in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F kingdom G932 βασιλείᾳ βασιλεία basileía N-Dat-Sg-F of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M heavens G3772 οὐρανῶν οὐρανός ouranós N-Gen-Pl-M greater G3173 μείζων μέγας mégas Adj-Nom-Sg-M than he G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it.
ἀπὸ δὲ τῶν ἡμερῶν Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ ἕως ἄρτι ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν βιάζεται καὶ βιασταὶ ἁρπάζουσιν αὐτήν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing From G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep then G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-F days G2250 ἡμερῶν ἡμέρα hēméra N-Gen-Pl-F of John G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Baptist G910 βαπτιστοῦ Βαπτιστής Baptistḗs N-Gen-Sg-M until G2193 ἕως héōs Prep now G737 ἄρτι árti Adv the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F kingdom G932 βασιλεία basileía N-Nom-Sg-F of the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-M heavens G3772 οὐρανῶν οὐρανός ouranós N-Gen-Pl-M is taken by violence G971 βιάζεται βιάζω biázō V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P and [the] G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj violent G973 βιασταὶ βιαστής biastḗs N-Nom-Pl-M claim G726 ἁρπάζουσιν ἁρπάζω harpázō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P it G846 αὐτήν αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Sg-F
13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
πάντες γὰρ οἱ προφῆται καὶ ὁ νόμος ἕως Ἰωάννου ἐπροφήτευσαν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing All G3956 πάντες πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Pl-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj the G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-M prophets G4396 προφῆται προφήτης prophḗtēs N-Nom-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M law G3551 νόμος nómos N-Nom-Sg-M until G2193 ἕως héōs Prep John G2491 Ἰωάννου Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Gen-Sg-M prophesied G4395 ἐπροφήτευσαν προφητεύω prophēteúō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-3P
14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.
καὶ εἰ θέλετε δέξασθαι αὐτός ἐστιν Ἠλίας ὁ μέλλων ἔρχεσθαι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj if G1487 εἰ ei Conj you are willing G2309 θέλετε θέλω thélō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-2P to receive [it] G1209 δέξασθαι δέχομαι déchomai V-Aor-Mid he himself G846 αὐτός autós Pers-Nom-Sg-M is G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P Elijah G2243 Ἠλίας Ἡλίας Hēlías N-Nom-Sg-M who G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M is being about G3195 μέλλων μέλλω méllō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M to come G2064 ἔρχεσθαι ἔρχομαι érchomai V-Pres-Mid
15 He who has ears, let him hear.
ὁ ἔχων ὦτα ἀκουέτω
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing The [one] G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M having G2192 ἔχων ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M ears G3775 ὦτα οὖς oûs N-Acc-Pl-N give (in the) audience (of) G191 ἀκουέτω ἀκούω akoúō V-Pres-Act-Imp-Sg-3P
16 To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
Τίνι δὲ ὁμοιώσω τὴν γενεὰν ταύτην ὁμοία ἐστὶν παιδίοις καθημένοις ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς ἃ προσφωνοῦντα τοῖς ἑτέροις
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing To what G5101 Τίνι τίς tís Inte-Dat-Sg-N however G1161 δὲ δέ dé Conj will I compare G3666 ὁμοιώσω ὁμοιόω homoióō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-1P the G3588 τὴν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-F generation G1074 γενεὰν γενεά geneá N-Acc-Sg-F this? G3778 ταύτην οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Sg-F Like G3664 ὁμοία ὅμοιος hómoios Adj-Nom-Sg-F it is G1510 ἐστὶν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P children G3813 παιδίοις παιδίον paidíon N-Dat-Pl-N sitting G2521 καθημένοις κάθημαι káthēmai V-Pres-Mid-Dat-Pl-N in G1722 ἐν en Prep the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F markets G58 ἀγοραῖς ἀγορά agorá N-Dat-Pl-F who G3739 ἃ ὅς hós Rela-Nom-Pl-N calling out G4377 προσφωνοῦντα προσφωνέω prosphōnéō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Pl-N the G3588 τοῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-N to others G2087 ἑτέροις ἕτερος héteros Adj-Dat-Pl-N
17 ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’
λέγουσιν ηὐλήσαμεν ὑμῖν καὶ οὐκ ὠρχήσασθε ἐθρηνήσαμεν καὶ οὐκ ἐκόψασθε
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing saying: G3004 λέγουσιν λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P We piped G832 ηὐλήσαμεν αὐλέω auléō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-1P for you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega dance G3738 ὠρχήσασθε ὀρχέομαι orchéomai V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Pl-2P we sang a dirge G2354 ἐθρηνήσαμεν θρηνέω thrēnéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj not G3756 οὐκ οὐ ou Nega you did wail G2875 ἐκόψασθε κόπτω kóptō V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Pl-2P
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’
ἦλθεν γὰρ Ἰωάννης μήτε ἐσθίων μήτε πίνων καὶ λέγουσιν δαιμόνιον ἔχει
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Came G2064 ἦλθεν ἔρχομαι érchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj John G2491 Ἰωάννης Iōánnēs N-Nom-Sg-M neither G3383 μήτε mḗte Conj eating G2068 ἐσθίων ἐσθίω esthíō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M nor G3383 μήτε mḗte Conj drinking G4095 πίνων πίνω pínō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj they say G3004 λέγουσιν λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P A demon G1140 δαιμόνιον daimónion N-Acc-Sg-N he has! G2192 ἔχει ἔχω échō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”
ἦλθεν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐσθίων καὶ πίνων καὶ λέγουσιν ἰδοὺ ἄνθρωπος φάγος καὶ οἰνοπότης τελωνῶν φίλος καὶ ἁμαρτωλῶν καὶ ἐδικαιώθη ἡ σοφία ἀπὸ τῶν ἔργων αὐτῆς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Came G2064 ἦλθεν ἔρχομαι érchomai V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Son G5207 υἱὸς υἱός huiós N-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M of Man G444 ἀνθρώπου ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Gen-Sg-M eating G2068 ἐσθίων ἐσθίω esthíō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj drinking G4095 πίνων πίνω pínō V-Pres-Act-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj they say G3004 λέγουσιν λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Pl-3P Behold G2400 ἰδοὺ ἰδού idoú Intj a man G444 ἄνθρωπος ánthrōpos N-Nom-Sg-M a glutton G5314 φάγος phágos N-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj a drunkard G3630 οἰνοπότης oinopótēs N-Nom-Sg-M of tax collectors G5057 τελωνῶν τελώνης telṓnēs N-Gen-Pl-M a friend G5384 φίλος phílos Adj-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj of sinners! G268 ἁμαρτωλῶν ἁμαρτωλός hamartōlós Adj-Gen-Pl-M But G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj is justified G1344 ἐδικαιώθη δικαιόω dikaióō V-Aor-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 ἡ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-F wisdom G4678 σοφία sophía N-Nom-Sg-F by G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep the G3588 τῶν ὁ ho Art-Gen-Pl-N deeds G2041 ἔργων ἔργον érgon N-Gen-Pl-N her G846 αὐτῆς αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-F
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.
Τότε ἤρξατο ὀνειδίζειν τὰς πόλεις ἐν αἷς ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὐ μετενόησαν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Then G5119 Τότε τότε tóte Adv He began G757 ἤρξατο ἄρχω árchō V-Aor-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P to denounce G3679 ὀνειδίζειν ὀνειδίζω oneidízō V-Pres-Act the G3588 τὰς ὁ ho Art-Acc-Pl-F cities G4172 πόλεις πόλις pólis N-Acc-Pl-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep which G3739 αἷς ὅς hós Rela-Dat-Pl-F had taken place G1096 ἐγένοντο γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P the G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F most G4118 πλεῖσται πλεῖστος pleîstos Adj-Nom-Pl-F miracles G1411 δυνάμεις δύναμις dýnamis N-Nom-Pl-F of Him G846 αὐτοῦ αὐτός autós Pers-Gen-Sg-M because G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj not G3756 οὐ ou Nega repent G3340 μετενόησαν μετανοέω metanoéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-3P
21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
οὐαί σοι Χοραζίν οὐαί σοι Βηθσαϊδά ὅτι εἰ ἐν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἐγένοντο αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν ὑμῖν πάλαι ἂν ἐν σάκκῳ καὶ σποδῷ μετενόησαν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Woe G3759 οὐαί ouaí Intj to you G4771 σοι σύ sý Pers-Dat-Sg-2P Chorazin! G5523 Χοραζίν Chorazín N-Voc-Sg-F Woe G3759 οὐαί ouaí Intj to you G4771 σοι σύ sý Pers-Dat-Sg-2P Bethsaida! G966 Βηθσαϊδά Bēthsaïdá N-Voc-Sg-F For G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj if G1487 εἰ ei Conj in G1722 ἐν en Prep Tyre G5184 Τύρῳ Τύρος Týros N-Dat-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj Sidon G4605 Σιδῶνι Σιδών Sidṓn N-Dat-Sg-F had taken place G1096 ἐγένοντο γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Pl-3P the G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F miracles G1411 δυνάμεις δύναμις dýnamis N-Nom-Pl-F which G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F having come to pass G1096 γενόμεναι γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Pl-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P long ago G3819 πάλαι pálai Adv then would G302 ἂν ἄν án Part in G1722 ἐν en Prep sackcloth G4526 σάκκῳ σάκκος sákkos N-Dat-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj ashes G4700 σποδῷ σποδός spodós N-Dat-Sg-F they have repented G3340 μετενόησαν μετανοέω metanoéō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Pl-3P
22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
πλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν Τύρῳ καὶ Σιδῶνι ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ ὑμῖν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing But G4133 πλὴν πλήν plḗn Conj I say G3004 λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P to you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P for Tyre G5184 Τύρῳ Τύρος Týros N-Dat-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj Sidon G4605 Σιδῶνι Σιδών Sidṓn N-Dat-Sg-F more tolerable G414 ἀνεκτότερον ἀνεκτότερος anektóteros Adj-Nom-Sg-N will it be G1510 ἔσται εἰμί eimí V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P in G1722 ἐν en Prep [the] day G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F of judgment G2920 κρίσεως κρίσις krísis N-Gen-Sg-F than G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj thou G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day.
καὶ σύ Καφαρναούμ μὴ ἕως οὐρανοῦ ὑψωθήσῃ ἕως ᾅδου καταβήσῃ ὅτι εἰ ἐν Σοδόμοις ἐγενήθησαν αἱ δυνάμεις αἱ γενόμεναι ἐν σοί ἔμεινεν ἂν μέχρι τῆς σήμερον
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj you yourself G4771 σύ sý Pers-Nom-Sg-2P Capernaum G2584 Καφαρναούμ Καπερναούμ Kapernaoúm N-Voc-Sg-F surely not G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Part to G2193 ἕως héōs Prep heaven G3772 οὐρανοῦ οὐρανός ouranós N-Gen-Sg-M will be exalted? G5312 ὑψωθήσῃ ὑψόω hypsóō V-Fut-Pass-Ind-Sg-2P to G2193 ἕως héōs Prep Hades G86 ᾅδου ᾅδης háidēs N-Gen-Sg-M will go down! G2597 καταβήσῃ καταβαίνω katabaínō V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-2P For G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj if G1487 εἰ ei Conj in G1722 ἐν en Prep Sodom G4670 Σοδόμοις Σόδομα Sódoma N-Dat-Pl-N happened G1096 ἐγενήθησαν γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Pass-Ind-Pl-3P the G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F miracles G1411 δυνάμεις δύναμις dýnamis N-Nom-Pl-F that G3588 αἱ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Pl-F were happening G1096 γενόμεναι γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Nom-Pl-F in G1722 ἐν en Prep you G4771 σοί σύ sý Pers-Dat-Sg-2P it remained G3306 ἔμεινεν μένω ménō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-3P then would G302 ἂν ἄν án Part until G3360 μέχρι méchri Prep the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F day G4594 σήμερον sḗmeron Adv
24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
πλὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι γῇ Σοδόμων ἀνεκτότερον ἔσται ἐν ἡμέρᾳ κρίσεως ἢ σοί
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing But G4133 πλὴν πλήν plḗn Conj I say G3004 λέγω légō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P to you G4771 ὑμῖν σύ sý Pers-Dat-Pl-2P that G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj for [the] land G1093 γῇ γῆ gē N-Dat-Sg-F of Sodom G4670 Σοδόμων Σόδομα Sódoma N-Gen-Pl-N more tolerable G414 ἀνεκτότερον ἀνεκτότερος anektóteros Adj-Nom-Sg-N will it be G1510 ἔσται εἰμί eimí V-Fut-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P in G1722 ἐν en Prep day G2250 ἡμέρᾳ ἡμέρα hēméra N-Dat-Sg-F of judgment G2920 κρίσεως κρίσις krísis N-Gen-Sg-F than G2228 ἢ ἤ ḗ Conj thou G4771 σοί σύ sý Pers-Dat-Sg-2P
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Ἐν ἐκείνῳ τῷ καιρῷ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν ἐξομολογοῦμαί σοι πάτερ κύριε τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ τῆς γῆς ὅτι ἔκρυψας ταῦτα ἀπὸ σοφῶν καὶ συνετῶν καὶ ἀπεκάλυψας αὐτὰ νηπίοις
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing At G1722 Ἐν ἐν en Prep that [very] G1565 ἐκείνῳ ἐκεῖνος ekeînos Demo-Dat-Sg-M the G3588 τῷ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-M time G2540 καιρῷ καιρός kairós N-Dat-Sg-M answering G611 ἀποκριθεὶς ἀποκρίνομαι apokrínomai V-Aor-Pass-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Jesus G2424 Ἰησοῦς Iēsoûs N-Nom-Sg-M said G2036 εἶπεν ἔπω épō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-3P I fully consent G1843 ἐξομολογοῦμαί ἐξομολογέω exomologéō V-Pres-Mid-Ind-Sg-1P to You G4771 σοι σύ sý Pers-Dat-Sg-2P Father G3962 πάτερ πατήρ patḗr N-Voc-Sg-M Lord G2962 κύριε κύριος kýrios N-Voc-Sg-M of the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M heaven G3772 οὐρανοῦ οὐρανός ouranós N-Gen-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τῆς ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-F earth G1093 γῆς γῆ gē N-Gen-Sg-F for G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj You did hide G2928 ἔκρυψας κρύπτω krýptō V-2nd-Act-Ind-Sg-2P these things G3778 ταῦτα οὗτος hoûtos Demo-Acc-Pl-N from G575 ἀπὸ ἀπό apó Prep wise G4680 σοφῶν σοφός sophós Adj-Gen-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj learned G4908 συνετῶν συνετός synetós Adj-Gen-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj did reveal G601 ἀπεκάλυψας ἀποκαλύπτω apokalýptō V-Aor-Act-Ind-Sg-2P them G846 αὐτὰ αὐτός autós Pers-Acc-Pl-N to little children G3516 νηπίοις νήπιος nḗpios Adj-Dat-Pl-M
26 Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
ναὶ ὁ πατήρ ὅτι οὕτως εὐδοκία ἐγένετο ἔμπροσθέν σου
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Yes G3483 ναὶ ναί naí Part O G3588 ὁ ho Art-Voc-Sg-M Father G3962 πατήρ patḗr N-Voc-Sg-M for G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj thus G3779 οὕτως οὕτω hoútō Adv well-pleasing G2107 εὐδοκία eudokía N-Nom-Sg-F it was G1096 ἐγένετο γίνομαι gínomai V-2nd-Mid-Ind-Sg-3P before G1715 ἔμπροσθέν ἔμπροσθεν émprosthen Prep thou G4771 σου σύ sý Pers-Gen-Sg-2P
27 All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.
Πάντα μοι παρεδόθη ὑπὸ τοῦ πατρός μου καὶ οὐδεὶς ἐπιγινώσκει τὸν υἱὸν εἰ μὴ ὁ πατήρ οὐδὲ τὸν πατέρα τις ἐπιγινώσκει εἰ μὴ ὁ υἱὸς καὶ ᾧ ἐὰν βούληται ὁ υἱὸς ἀποκαλύψαι
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing All things G3956 Πάντα πᾶς pâs Adj-Nom-Pl-N to Me G1473 μοι ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Dat-Sg-1P was delivered G3860 παρεδόθη παραδίδωμι paradídōmi V-Aor-Pass-Ind-Sg-3P by G5259 ὑπὸ ὑπό hypó Prep the G3588 τοῦ ὁ ho Art-Gen-Sg-M Father G3962 πατρός πατήρ patḗr N-Gen-Sg-M of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P And G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj no [one] G3762 οὐδεὶς οὐδείς oudeís Adj-Nom-Sg-M knows G1921 ἐπιγινώσκει ἐπιγινώσκω epiginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Son G5207 υἱὸν υἱός huiós N-Acc-Sg-M only G1487 εἰ ei Conj except G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Father G3962 πατήρ patḗr N-Nom-Sg-M nor G3761 οὐδὲ οὐδέ oudé Conj the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M Father G3962 πατέρα πατήρ patḗr N-Acc-Sg-M anyone G5100 τις τὶς tìs Inde-Nom-Sg-M does know G1921 ἐπιγινώσκει ἐπιγινώσκω epiginṓskō V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P only G1487 εἰ ei Conj except G3361 μὴ μή mḗ Nega the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Son G5207 υἱὸς υἱός huiós N-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj to whom G3739 ᾧ ὅς hós Rela-Dat-Sg-M if G1437 ἐὰν ἐάν eán Part shall choose G1014 βούληται βούλομαι boúlomai V-Pres-Mid-Sub-Sg-3P the G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M Son G5207 υἱὸς υἱός huiós N-Nom-Sg-M reveal G601 ἀποκαλύψαι ἀποκαλύπτω apokalýptō V-Aor-Act
28 Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Δεῦτε πρός με πάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing Come G1205 Δεῦτε δεῦτε deûte Adv to G4314 πρός prós Prep Me G1473 με ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Acc-Sg-1P all G3956 πάντες πᾶς pâs Adj-Voc-Pl-M you who [are] G3588 οἱ ὁ ho Art-Voc-Pl-M toiling G2872 κοπιῶντες κοπιάω kopiáō V-Pres-Act-Voc-Pl-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj burdened G5412 πεφορτισμένοι φορτίζω phortízō V-Perf-Pass-Voc-Pl-M will give rest G373 ἀναπαύσω ἀναπαύω anapaúō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Sg-1P to you G4771 ὑμᾶς σύ sý Pers-Acc-Pl-2P
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς καὶ μάθετε ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ καὶ εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing do take G142 ἄρατε αἴρω aírō V-Aor-Act-Imp-Pl-2P the G3588 τὸν ὁ ho Art-Acc-Sg-M yoke G2218 ζυγόν ζυγός zygós N-Acc-Sg-M of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P upon G1909 ἐφ᾽ ἐπί epí Prep you G4771 ὑμᾶς σύ sý Pers-Acc-Pl-2P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj do learn G3129 μάθετε μανθάνω manthánō V-2nd-Act-Imp-Pl-2P from G575 ἀπ᾽ ἀπό apó Prep Me G1473 ἐμοῦ ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P for G3754 ὅτι hóti Conj gentle G4239 πραΰς praÿs Adj-Nom-Sg-M I am G1510 εἰμι εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-1P and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj humble G5011 ταπεινὸς ταπεινός tapeinós Adj-Nom-Sg-M the G3588 τῇ ὁ ho Art-Dat-Sg-F in heart G2588 καρδίᾳ καρδία kardía N-Dat-Sg-F and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj you will find G2147 εὑρήσετε εὑρίσκω heurískō V-Fut-Act-Ind-Pl-2P rest G372 ἀνάπαυσιν ἀνάπαυσις anápausis N-Acc-Sg-F for the G3588 ταῖς ὁ ho Art-Dat-Pl-F souls G5590 ψυχαῖς ψυχή psychḗ N-Dat-Pl-F of you G4771 ὑμῶν σύ sý Pers-Gen-Pl-2P
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
ὁ γὰρ ζυγός μου χρηστὸς καὶ τὸ φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν
English Strong's Original · Root · Transliteration Parsing The G3588 ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-M for G1063 γὰρ γάρ gár Conj yoke G2218 ζυγός zygós N-Nom-Sg-M of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P [is] easy G5543 χρηστὸς χρηστός chrēstós Adj-Nom-Sg-M and G2532 καὶ καί kaí Conj the G3588 τὸ ὁ ho Art-Nom-Sg-N burden G5413 φορτίον phortíon N-Nom-Sg-N of Mine G1473 μου ἐγώ egṓ Pers-Gen-Sg-1P light G1645 ἐλαφρόν ἐλαφρός elaphrós Adj-Nom-Sg-N am G1510 ἐστιν εἰμί eimí V-Pres-Act-Ind-Sg-3P
Matthew 12
Study Notes — Matthew 11
6 sectionsMatthew 11 presents a turning point in Jesus's ministry. After commissioning the twelve disciples, Jesus continues His own work while John the Baptist—now imprisoned—sends messengers to ask if Jesus is truly the promised Messiah. Rather than give a simple yes, Jesus points to His miraculous works as evidence. The chapter then shifts to Jesus's assessment of His generation: some reject Him no matter what He does, while the cities that have witnessed His greatest miracles refuse to repent. Yet it concludes with one of Scripture's most tender invitations, as Jesus welcomes the weary and heavy-laden to find rest in Him.
After instructing the twelve, Jesus moves out into the cities to teach and preach. Meanwhile, John the Baptist—languishing in Herod's prison awaiting execution—hears of Christ's works and sends two disciples with a crucial question: "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (verse 3). This is not mere doubt on John's part; it reflects the tension between Jewish expectation of a conquering Messiah and the suffering, merciful Messiah Jesus actually was.
Jesus's reply is remarkably gentle. Rather than rebuke John, He directs the disciples to observe His works: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them (verse 5). These are the very signs Isaiah prophesied of the coming kingdom (Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1). Jesus's answer is: look at what I am doing, and you will know who I am.
Application: When our faith wavers, we too can look to Jesus's work—His death and resurrection, His Spirit's transforming power in believers, His faithfulness across centuries. We are called to trust not merely in what we expect, but in who Christ has proven Himself to be.
Verse 6 contains a solemn blessing: "blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me." Offense at Jesus often comes when He fails to match our preconceived notions. As the disciples depart, Jesus addresses the crowds about John. He asks what they went into the wilderness expecting to find—a reed shaken by wind? A man in fine clothing? No. John was a prophet, yea, and more than a prophet (verse 9). He was the messenger foretold in Malachi 3:1, preparing the way for the Lord.
Verse 11 contains a paradox: "Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." John occupied a unique historical role as the forerunner, yet even the humblest believer in the New Covenant age, who enjoys the indwelling Spirit and the finished work of Christ, possesses a greater privilege and spiritual standing than John enjoyed.
Application: Believers today have inherited immense spiritual wealth through Christ. We should live with gratitude and boldness, knowing we stand in a position of grace beyond what even the greatest Old Testament saints possessed.
Jesus then rebukes His generation for rejecting both John and Himself (verses 16–19). Using the image of children in the marketplace, He depicts a generation that cannot be satisfied: John came in ascetic severity, and they called him demon-possessed; Jesus came eating and drinking, and they called Him a glutton and drunkard. The real issue was not Jesus's behavior but hardened hearts. Yet "wisdom is justified of her children" (verse 19)—those who truly receive God's message will vindicate it through obedience.
Jesus upbraids Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—cities where He performed mighty works yet saw no repentance (verses 20–24). Even pagan Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom would have repented under such witness. This sobering passage teaches that privilege brings accountability; greater light brings greater responsibility and greater judgment for rejection.
The chapter concludes with Jesus's thanksgiving that the Father has hidden these truths from the proud "wise and prudent" and revealed them to spiritual "babes" (verse 25). He then offers the gospel's most welcoming words: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (verse 28). His yoke is easy; His burden is light (verse 30).
Matthew 11 calls us to recognize Jesus by His works and character, to embrace our privilege as New Covenant believers, and to respond with repentance while the door remains open. Most importantly, it extends to us that same gracious invitation: no matter how weary, ashamed, or burdened you are, Christ welcomes you. His rest is not earned but freely given to all who come to Him in faith.