Luke 7:31

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

And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036}, Whereunto {G5101} then {G3767} shall I liken {G3666} the men {G444} of this {G5026} generation {G1074}? and {G2532} to what {G5101} are they {G1526} like {G3664}?

"Therefore," said the Lord, "how can I describe the people of this generation? What are they like?

“To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like?

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

Commentary

Context

Luke 7:31 introduces a poignant rhetorical question from Jesus, setting the stage for His ensuing parable about the spiritual stubbornness of "this generation." This verse follows Jesus's powerful discourse concerning John the Baptist, whom He praised as a prophet and more than a prophet. Immediately prior, we learn that many people, including tax collectors, had been baptized by John, acknowledging God's justice, while the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves by not being baptized by him (Luke 7:29-30). Jesus's question in verse 31 arises from this observation of varied, yet often resistant, responses to both John's austere ministry and His own more accessible approach.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Indifference and Inconsistency: The core theme is the inability or unwillingness of many in that generation to respond appropriately to God's messengers. Jesus highlights a critical, fault-finding spirit that rejected both John's asceticism and Jesus's more social engagement.
  • Lack of Discernment: The verse points to a failure to recognize and embrace divine truth, regardless of how it was presented. People were quick to criticize rather than to genuinely seek understanding or repentance.
  • Divine Wisdom's Justification: Though not explicit in this verse, it anticipates the concluding thought of the subsequent parable: "But wisdom is justified of all her children" (Luke 7:35). This implies that despite widespread rejection, true wisdom will be affirmed by those who accept and live by it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Whereunto then shall I liken" (Greek: tini homoiōsō) signifies Jesus's common teaching method of using parables or comparisons to expose spiritual truths and human conditions. It's a rhetorical device designed to provoke thought and reveal the hypocrisy of His listeners. The term "this generation" (Greek: tēs geneas tautēs) often refers to the contemporary Jewish people who witnessed Jesus's ministry and signs, yet largely remained resistant to His message and the kingdom of God.

Related Scriptures

This verse directly sets up the parable found in Luke 7:32-35, where Jesus compares the people to children playing games in the marketplace, unable to be pleased. A parallel account of this teaching can be found in Matthew 11:16-19, further emphasizing the consistent rejection of God's messengers by many.

Practical Application

Luke 7:31 challenges us to examine our own hearts for spiritual receptivity. Are we open to God's truth, even when it comes in unexpected forms or through different messengers? The "men of this generation" represent a tendency to find fault and justify unbelief, rather than humbly seeking God's will. This verse calls us to guard against a critical spirit and to cultivate a genuine desire to hear and respond to the voice of God, recognizing that God's wisdom will always be vindicated by those who truly follow Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Lamentations 2:13 (3 votes)

    What thing shall I take to witness for thee? what thing shall I liken to thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? what shall I equal to thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Zion? for thy breach [is] great like the sea: who can heal thee?

  • Matthew 11:16 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 11:19 (3 votes)

    The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

  • Mark 4:30 (1 votes)

    And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?