Matthew 11:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus compares His generation to fickle children in the marketplace, calling out to their playmates.
What Does Matthew 11:16 Mean?
Jesus searches for an image to capture His generation's response, and finds it in children at play. He pictures them "sitting in the markets," the open squares where children gathered, calling out to their companions who refuse to join the game. The comparison is about to expose a stubborn discontent.
The point is the petulance of those who will be pleased by nothing. No invitation suits them; whatever tune is played, they will not respond. It is a portrait of a heart that finds fault with every approach of God rather than answering any of them. The question "whereunto shall I liken this generation" invites self-examination: do we, too, sit aloof, criticizing, while God calls us to dance or to mourn?
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 11:16
What does Matthew 11:16 mean?
Jesus compares His generation to fickle children in the marketplace, calling out to their playmates.