New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 11:7

Come to 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? Matthew 11:7 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 11:7, in plain English

After John's messengers leave, Jesus asks the crowd: what did you expect when you went to see John in the desert? A weak, wishy-washy person swaying in the breeze?

Why it's here

Jesus is about to pay John one of the highest compliments ever given. He starts by reminding the crowd that John was no pushover.

Who's speaking

Jesus turns to address the crowd about John the Baptist.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus defends His doubting friend in public. He does not criticize John's question but instead praises John's character to the crowd. That is the kind of friend Jesus is.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

After John's disciples depart, Jesus addresses the crowds about John's identity, using a rhetorical question about whether they went to the wilderness to see a 'reed shaken by the wind' (kalamon hupo anemou saleuomenon).

Language and setting

The 'reed swaying in the wind' may carry political overtones -- Herod Antipas used a reed as his coin symbol. Jesus implicitly contrasts John's unwavering courage with Herod's political opportunism.

Voice

Jesus addresses the crowds about John the Baptist's character.

Significance

Having answered John's doubt privately, Jesus now publicly defends John's character to the crowds, beginning with a rhetorical question that highlights John's strength and conviction.

In context

Matthew 11:5–9

5The 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.

6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”

7As 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?

8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces.

9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

Read all of Matthew 11 — John the Baptist doubts from prison. Cities refuse to repent. And in the middle of it all, Jesus offers rest to the weary.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad