But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

MATTHEW 11:16KJV
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Matthew 11:16 (KJV)

What does Matthew 11:16 mean?

Matthew 11:16 describes Jesus comparing the people of his generation to children sitting in the marketplace, calling out to their friends. Jesus is highlighting how the people are behaving in a way that is difficult to please or satisfy, much like children who are never content.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the crowds, using a familiar scene from daily life to illustrate his point. The marketplace was a central gathering place, and children playing there would have been a common sight. By using this image, Jesus shows that the people are acting immaturely, refusing to respond appropriately to either his message or John the Baptist’s, no matter what approach is taken.

The Greek behind Matthew 11:16

  • γενεά (genea, "generation"): This word often refers to a group of people living at the same time, but it can also carry a sense of shared attitudes or characteristics. Here, it points to the collective mindset of the people Jesus is addressing.
  • ὁμοιόω (homoioō, "liken"): This verb means to compare or make similar. Jesus is intentionally drawing a parallel between the behavior of the people and the children in his example.
  • ἐν ταῖς ἀγοραῖς (en tais agorais, "in the markets"): The marketplace was not just a place for commerce but also for social interaction, making the image of children playing there vivid and relatable for his listeners.

Why Matthew 11:16 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that Jesus’ audience was simply neutral or passive; instead, Jesus points out their active unwillingness to respond to either his message or John’s.
  • By using the image of children in the marketplace, Jesus emphasizes the immaturity and stubbornness of the generation, setting up a contrast with the seriousness of his and John’s ministries.
  • Understanding this verse sheds light on the following verses, where Jesus explains more about the specific ways people rejected both John the Baptist and himself, despite their different approaches.

Where else these words appear

“children” Greek G3808 · used in 2 verses

  • John 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

“fellows” Greek G2083 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 20:13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny?
  • Matthew 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
  • Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

“calling” Greek G4377 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 6:13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;
  • Luke 13:12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
  • Acts 21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

“markets” Greek G58 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 20:3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
  • Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
  • Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.