Matthew 11:7
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.
6 Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
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?
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.
9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- 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?
- KJV
- And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- WEB
- As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
- ASV
- And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
- DARBY
- But as they went [away], Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? a reed moved about by the wind?
- BLB
- And [as] these are going, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you⁺ go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
- ÅB
- Da nå disse gikk bort, begynte Jesus å fortelle folket om Johannes: «Hvorfor var det dere gikk ut i ørkenen? for å se et rør som svaier i vinden?
- OTB
- Da Johannes' disipler var i ferd med å dra, begynte Jesus å tale til folkemengden om Johannes: «Hva dro dere ut i ødemarken for å se? Et siv som svaier i vinden?
- B1930
- Da nu disse gikk bort, begynte Jesus å tale til folket om Johannes: Hvorfor var det I gikk ut i ørkenen? for å se et rør som svaier for vinden?
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
James 1:6
But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
Read in contextJohn 5:35
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.
Read in contextLuke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”
Read in contextLuke 7:24–30
After John’s messengers had left, 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?
Read in contextEphesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
Read in contextMark 1:3–5
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”
Read in contextGenesis 49:4
Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel, because you went up to your father’s bed, onto my couch, and defiled it.
Read in contextMatthew 21:25
What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
Read in context