Luke 7:24

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?

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}?

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?

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?

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?

In Luke 7:24, after John the Baptist's messengers have departed, Jesus turns to the crowds and begins to speak about John. This verse is the opening of a powerful commendation and explanation of John's true character and mission. Jesus uses a rhetorical question to challenge the people's perceptions: "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"

Context

This verse follows a significant encounter where John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was "He that should come". Jesus responded by highlighting His miracles and teachings, implying His messianic identity. After John's messengers left, Jesus immediately addressed the crowd. This timing is crucial; Jesus' public affirmation of John served to dispel any notion that John was wavering in his faith or that Jesus was discrediting him. Instead, Jesus elevates John's status, clarifying his unique role in God's plan.

Key Themes

  • John's Unwavering Character: Jesus' rhetorical question emphasizes that John was the opposite of a "reed shaken with the wind." A reed is a flimsy, common plant found in the Jordan valley, easily swayed by the slightest breeze. By asking if they went to see such a thing, Jesus highlights John's steadfastness, conviction, and uncompromising nature, even in the face of immense pressure and hardship in the wilderness. John was not a populist leader swayed by public opinion.
  • Authentic Spiritual Leadership: The verse implicitly contrasts genuine prophetic leadership with superficiality. John was not seeking comfort or popularity; he was a man of firm resolve, committed to speaking God's truth, regardless of the consequences. This challenges believers to seek and embody such conviction.
  • Challenging Public Perception: Jesus prompts the crowd to reflect on their own motives for going out to see John. Were they merely curious, or did they truly understand the profound significance of his ministry? Jesus forces them to re-evaluate their understanding of John, whom He would soon declare as more than a prophet.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "reed" is kalamos (κάλᾰμος), referring to a hollow stem, often used for pens or measuring rods, but here specifically a plant that grows in marshy areas. The phrase "shaken with the wind" (σαλευόμενον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου - saleuomenon hypo anemou) vividly portrays instability and lack of conviction. Jesus uses this common imagery to draw a stark contrast with John's resolute and unyielding spirit, emphasizing that John was no fair-weather prophet easily swayed by popular opinion or external pressures.

Practical Application

Luke 7:24 encourages us to examine our own spiritual steadfastness. Are we like a "reed shaken with the wind," easily swayed by cultural trends, popular opinion, or personal conveniences? Or do we stand firm in our convictions, rooted in God's truth, regardless of external pressures? This verse is a call to develop spiritual resilience and unwavering faith, mirroring the steadfastness demonstrated by John the Baptist. It also reminds us to discern true spiritual leadership, recognizing those who speak with conviction rather than compromise.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back