Luke 7:24

KJV

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the messengers {G32} of John {G2491} were departed {G565}, he began {G756} to speak {G3004} unto {G4314} the people {G3793} concerning {G4012} John {G2491}, What {G5101} went ye out {G1831} into {G1519} the wilderness {G2048} for to see {G2300}? A reed {G2563} shaken {G4531} with {G5259} the wind {G417}?

Complete Jewish Bible

When the messengers from Yochanan had gone, Yeshua began speaking to the crowds about Yochanan: "What did you go out into the desert to see? Reeds swaying in the breeze?

Berean Standard Bible

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?

American Standard Version

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:24 marks a pivotal moment where, immediately after John the Baptist's disciples depart, Jesus turns to the gathered crowds to offer a profound commendation and clarification of John's identity and ministry. Through a series of incisive rhetorical questions, Jesus challenges the popular perception of John, beginning with the foundational query: "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" This initial question sets the stage for Jesus to dismantle superficial understandings of John, compelling His listeners to consider the true, unwavering nature of the prophet who prepared the way for the Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed directly after John the Baptist's disciples have left Jesus, having delivered John's crucial question regarding Jesus' messianic identity ([Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John's Question to Jesus")). Jesus' response to John's disciples, which included a demonstration of His miraculous power and a declaration of the good news preached to the poor ([Luke 7:21-23](/luke/7-21-23 "Luke 7:21-23 - Jesus' Answer to John's Disciples")), served as an indirect affirmation. However, once John's messengers were gone, Jesus immediately shifted His focus to the crowds, initiating a public discourse about John. This timing is critical; it ensured that Jesus' high praise for John was not misconstrued as a private endorsement but rather a public declaration, dispelling any potential rumors of John's wavering faith or Jesus' discrediting of His forerunner. Jesus' subsequent questions and commendations ([Luke 7:25-28](/luke/7-25-28 "Luke 7:25-28 - Jesus' Commendation of John")) build upon the foundation laid in this verse, progressively revealing John's unique prophetic status.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wilderness" (Greek: _erēmos_) refers to the desolate, uncultivated regions, specifically the Judean wilderness bordering the Jordan River, where John the Baptist conducted his ministry ([Luke 3:2-3](/luke/3-2-3 "Luke 3:2-3 - John's Ministry in the Wilderness")). This was a place historically associated with prophetic activity, recall Elijah and Elisha, and with divine encounters and testing. People traveled considerable distances from cities and towns to hear John, drawn by his powerful message of repentance. Reeds (Greek: _kalamos_) were common, flimsy plants growing abundantly along the banks of the Jordan River, easily swayed by the slightest breeze. Culturally, a "reed shaken with the wind" would have been immediately understood as a symbol of instability, weakness, and a lack of conviction or resolve. By posing this question, Jesus implicitly challenged the crowd's expectations and motives for seeking out John, contrasting the common, easily swayed object with the uncommon, steadfast prophet.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several profound themes that Jesus elaborates upon. Firstly, it highlights **John's Unwavering Character**, asserting that John was the antithesis of a fickle, easily influenced leader. His ministry in the harsh wilderness, his uncompromising message, and his willingness to confront even Herod Antipas ([Luke 3:19-20](/luke/3-19-20 "Luke 3:19-20 - John Imprisons Herod")) demonstrated a steadfastness rooted in divine conviction, not popular opinion. Secondly, it underscores the nature of **Authentic Spiritual Leadership**, contrasting John's resolute commitment to truth with superficiality or self-interest. John was not a man seeking comfort, luxury, or public adulation, but one dedicated to God's call. Finally, Jesus' rhetorical question serves to **Challenge Public Perception and Motives**. He prompts the crowd to introspectively examine why they went to see John. Were they merely seeking a spectacle, a novelty, or did they truly grasp the profound significance of John's prophetic role as the forerunner to the Messiah, a role unparalleled by any born of women ([Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - John Greater Than Prophets"))?

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wilderness (Greek, _érēmos'_):** of uncertain affinity; lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, χώρα being implied):--desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness. Here, it refers to the Judean desert where John the Baptist carried out his ministry, a place of solitude and austerity, contrasting sharply with the comforts of urban life.
* **reed (Greek, _kálamos'_):** of uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen:--pen, reed. In this context, it refers to the common, flimsy plant growing in marshy areas, particularly along the Jordan River, used metaphorically to represent something weak, easily swayed, and lacking firm conviction.
* **shaken (Greek, _saleúō'_):** from σάλος; to waver, i.e. agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite:--move, shake (together), which can(-not) be shaken, stir up. This word vividly describes the instability of the reed, emphasizing its susceptibility to external forces, and by extension, the lack of resolve in a person.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the messengers of John were departed,"**: This clause establishes the immediate literary context, highlighting the precise moment Jesus begins His public discourse about John. The departure of John's disciples signifies the transition from a private exchange to a public affirmation.
* **"he began to speak unto the people concerning John,"**: This indicates Jesus' deliberate and immediate intention to address the gathered multitude about John. His public commendation serves to clarify John's identity and mission, ensuring the crowds understand his true significance in God's redemptive plan.
* **"What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"**: This is Jesus' initial rhetorical question, designed to provoke introspection and challenge superficial perceptions. By asking if they sought a "reed shaken with the wind," Jesus immediately dismisses the idea that John was a weak, vacillating, or easily influenced figure, setting up a sharp contrast with John's actual steadfast character.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this single verse to challenge and instruct His audience. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to stimulate reflection and compel the listeners to re-evaluate their understanding of John. It forces them to consider the true nature of the prophet they flocked to see. Coupled with this is a powerful **Metaphor**: "A reed shaken with the wind." The common, flimsy reed, easily swayed by the slightest breeze, serves as a vivid image of instability, weakness, and a lack of conviction. By asking if this is what they expected or found in John, Jesus uses the metaphor to highlight the profound **Contrast** between such a wavering object and John's actual unyielding, resolute character. This contrast implicitly praises John's steadfastness and prophetic integrity, emphasizing that he was no fair-weather prophet swayed by popular opinion or external pressures.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:24 serves as a crucial theological turning point, where Jesus begins to define John the Baptist's unique role within salvation history. It highlights the divine nature of John's calling, asserting that he was not merely a popular figure but a prophet of unwavering conviction, divinely appointed to prepare the way for the Messiah. This verse implicitly contrasts human fickleness with divine steadfastness, inviting reflection on the nature of true spiritual authority and the commitment required to follow God's will. John's character, as depicted by Jesus, becomes a model of integrity and resolute faith, challenging believers to stand firm in their convictions regardless of external pressures or popular opinion.

* [Matthew 11:7](/matthew/11-7 "Matthew 11:7 - Jesus' Question about John")
* [Isaiah 40:3](/isaiah/40-3 "Isaiah 40:3 - A Voice Crying in the Wilderness")
* [Ephesians 4:14](/ephesians/4-14 "Ephesians 4:14 - No Longer Tossed by Waves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:24 challenges us to examine our own spiritual steadfastness and the nature of our faith. Are we like the "reed shaken with the wind," easily swayed by the prevailing cultural winds, popular opinions, or personal conveniences? Do we compromise our convictions for comfort, acceptance, or fleeting popularity? Or do we, like John, stand firm in the truth of God's Word, rooted deeply in our faith, even when it means facing opposition or hardship? This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual resilience, to develop an unshakeable commitment to Christ and His truth, and to discern true spiritual leadership from that which is merely superficial or self-serving. It reminds us that genuine faith is not passive but active, marked by conviction and courage, enabling us to remain steadfast in an ever-changing world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most susceptible to being "shaken with the wind" of popular opinion or cultural trends?**
* **What does John the Baptist's unwavering character teach us about the cost and nature of true discipleship?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper spiritual rootedness that enables us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult?**
* **How do you discern between genuine spiritual leadership and that which is merely seeking popularity or personal gain?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus ask if they went to see "A reed shaken with the wind?"**

Answer: Jesus uses this rhetorical question to immediately dismiss the idea that John the Baptist was a weak, vacillating, or easily influenced figure. Reeds were common, flimsy plants found along the Jordan River, easily swayed by the slightest breeze. By asking this, Jesus creates a sharp contrast, implying that John was the exact opposite: a man of immense strength, conviction, and unwavering resolve, not swayed by external pressures or popular opinion. It forces the audience to consider the true, profound nature of John's prophetic ministry.

**What is the significance of John the Baptist's ministry taking place in the wilderness?**

Answer: The wilderness (Greek: _erēmos_) was a significant setting for John's ministry, carrying deep historical and theological meaning. It was a place of isolation, austerity, and spiritual preparation, reminiscent of Israel's journey in the desert and the prophetic ministries of figures like Elijah and Elisha. John's presence there underscored his prophetic authenticity, signaling a return to a purer, more direct encounter with God, away from the corruptions of urban life and religious establishments. It also symbolized his role as the "voice of one crying in the wilderness" ([Luke 3:4](/luke/3-4 "Luke 3:4 - John's Voice in the Wilderness")), preparing the way for the Lord.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 7:24 focuses on John the Baptist's steadfast character, it ultimately points to the greater steadfastness and divine authority of Jesus Christ Himself. John, though unwavering, was a "reed" in comparison to the unshakeable foundation of God's kingdom embodied in Jesus. John's mission was to prepare the way, to point to the One who was to come ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Jesus, unlike any human prophet, is the very Word made flesh, the embodiment of truth and unwavering divine purpose ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is not a reed shaken by the wind of human opinion or political pressure, but the solid rock upon which His church is built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). His ministry was marked by an unyielding commitment to His Father's will, even unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). Thus, John's steadfastness foreshadows Christ's ultimate and perfect faithfulness, demonstrating that the One whom John heralded is the very anchor of our souls, unmovable and eternal ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:14

That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Luke 1:80

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

Luke 3:2

Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

Matthew 3:1

¶ In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

Matthew 3:5

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

James 1:6

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

James 1:8

A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.