And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

LUKE 7:31KJV
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Luke 7:31 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:31 mean?

Luke 7:31 shows Jesus asking what kind of comparison He can make about the people of His generation, inviting His listeners to consider what they are truly like. Jesus is preparing to describe their attitudes and responses in a way that will help people see themselves more clearly.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd, including religious leaders and ordinary people, after discussing how both John the Baptist and Himself have been received. The question sets up a comparison or illustration, which Jesus will give in the next verses, to highlight how the people have responded to God’s messengers. The verse signals that Jesus is about to make a point about the character and behavior of those listening to Him.

The Greek behind Luke 7:31

  • "γενεά" (genea, G1074) means "generation" and here refers to the people living at that time, not just by age but by shared attitudes or mindset. Jesus is speaking broadly about the character of His contemporaries.
  • "ὁμοιόω" (homoioō, G3666) is translated "liken" or "compare," and it carries the sense of making a meaningful analogy. Jesus is not just making a casual comparison but is about to offer a pointed illustration.
  • "ἄνθρωποι" (anthrōpoi, G444) means "men" or "people," emphasizing that Jesus is talking about humanity in general, not just a specific group.

Why Luke 7:31 matters

  • Luke 7:31 introduces a teaching moment where Jesus challenges His audience to reflect on their own attitudes, rather than just listening passively.
  • The verse sets up the contrast between how people responded to John the Baptist and to Jesus, which is a key theme in the surrounding passage.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see that Jesus often used questions and comparisons to prompt self-examination and honest reflection among His listeners.

Where else these words appear

“liken” Greek G3666 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

“generation” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

“this” Greek G5026 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
  • Luke 18:9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
  • Acts 23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.