Luke 7:32

KJV

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

KJV (with Strong's)

They are {G1526} like {G3664} unto children {G3813} sitting {G2521} in {G1722} the marketplace {G58}, and {G2532} calling {G4377} one to another {G240}, and {G2532} saying {G3004}, We have piped {G832} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye have {G3738} not {G3756} danced {G3738}; we have mourned {G2354} to you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye have {G2799} not {G3756} wept {G2799}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling to one another, `We made happy music, but you wouldn't dance! We made sad music, but you wouldn't cry!'

Berean Standard Bible

They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to one another: ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

American Standard Version

They are like unto children that sit in the marketplace, and call one to another; who say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not weep.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 7:32, Jesus employs a poignant parable, likening the generation of His day, particularly the unyielding religious leaders, to petulant children in a marketplace. These children, refusing to participate in any game, symbolize the spiritual stubbornness and inconsistency of those who rejected both John the Baptist's austere call to repentance and Jesus' joyful proclamation of the Kingdom, finding fault with every divine approach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a larger discourse (Luke 7:18-35) where Jesus responds to John the Baptist's disciples and then critiques the spiritual blindness of the people. Following John's imprisonment and his disciples' inquiry about Jesus' identity, Jesus affirms John's prophetic role ([Luke 7:24-28](/luke/7-24-28 "Luke 7:24-28 - Jesus Affirms John's Role")). He then contrasts the public's varied responses to John's ascetic ministry and His own more accessible one. Specifically, [Luke 7:29-30](/luke/7-29-30 "Luke 7:29-30 - Responses to John's Ministry") notes that tax collectors and sinners justified God by being baptized by John, while the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's counsel by refusing John's baptism. The parable in [Luke 7:31-32](/luke/7-31-32 "Luke 7:31-32 - The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace") directly illustrates this rejection, setting the stage for Jesus' summary in [Luke 7:33-35](/luke/7-33-35 "Luke 7:33-35 - John and Jesus Contrasted").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The marketplace (`agorá`) was the vibrant heart of ancient towns, serving as a hub for commerce, social interaction, and public discourse. Children often played games there, mimicking adult activities like weddings and funerals. Musical instruments, particularly flutes (`aulós`), were integral to celebrations, accompanying dancing and feasting, while professional mourners (`thrēnéō`) were hired to wail and lament at funerals. This common scene provides a relatable backdrop for Jesus' analogy. The audience would immediately grasp the image of children who, out of sheer contrariness, refused to engage in either joyful or sorrowful play, perfectly capturing the unreasonableness of those who rejected both John's asceticism and Jesus' more inclusive approach.
* **Key Themes:** The parable in [Luke 7:32](/luke/7-32 "Luke 7:32 - The Unresponsive Generation") contributes significantly to several key themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **rejection of divine messengers**; both John the Baptist and Jesus, despite their differing methodologies, faced opposition from the same resistant generation. This highlights the **stubbornness and spiritual blindness** of those who, rather than discerning God's truth, sought reasons to dismiss it. The parable also underscores the theme of **divine wisdom and human response**, culminating in [Luke 7:35](/luke/7-35 "Luke 7:35 - Wisdom Justified by Her Children"), where Jesus declares, "But wisdom is justified of all her children." This implies that genuine spiritual insight leads to an appropriate response to God's revelation, regardless of its form, contrasting sharply with the childish capriciousness depicted in the parable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **like (Greek, _hómoios'_):** From the base meaning "similar," this word emphasizes the comparative nature of Jesus' analogy. The generation's behavior is not literally that of children, but it bears a striking resemblance in character and outcome to the petulance of children refusing to play. It highlights the spiritual immaturity and inconsistency of their response to God's messengers.
* **piped (Greek, _auléō'_):** Derived from `aulós` (a flute), this verb signifies playing the flute, typically associated with joyful occasions, celebrations, and dancing. In the context of the parable, it represents the invitation to merriment and celebration, symbolizing Jesus' ministry characterized by feasting, healing, and the good news of the Kingdom.
* **mourned (Greek, _thrēnéō'_):** This word means "to bewail" or "to lament," referring to the wailing and expressions of sorrow common at funerals or times of great distress. It symbolizes John the Baptist's austere ministry, which called for repentance, fasting, and a somber acknowledgment of sin, akin to a funeral lament.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace,"**: This opening clause establishes the central analogy. Jesus compares the unresponsive generation to children playing in a public square. The "marketplace" (agora) was a common gathering place, making the scene immediately relatable and vivid to His audience. The children's "sitting" implies a state of waiting or observing, rather than active engagement.
* **"and calling one to another, and saying,"**: This describes the children's interaction, setting up the "game" they propose. The "calling one to another" suggests an attempt to initiate play, inviting participation from their peers. This reflects the divine initiative through John and Jesus, extending invitations to the people.
* **"We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced;"**: This is the first part of the children's complaint, representing the rejection of a joyful invitation. "Piped" (playing a flute) signifies a call to celebration and dancing. This corresponds to Jesus' ministry, which was characterized by feasting, healing, and the good news of the Kingdom, inviting people to spiritual joy and participation. Yet, the generation "would not dance," refusing to embrace the joy and freedom offered.
* **"we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept."**: This is the second part of the complaint, representing the rejection of a somber invitation. "Mourned" refers to lamenting, typical of funerals or times of sorrow and repentance. This corresponds to John the Baptist's ministry, which called for solemn repentance and a recognition of sin. Despite this call to spiritual sorrow, the generation "would not weep," refusing to acknowledge their sin or embrace the call to repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs **Analogy** and **Metaphor** in this verse to convey a profound spiritual truth. The entire verse functions as an analogy, comparing the behavior of an unresponsive generation to that of petulant children. Within this larger analogy, the acts of "piping" and "mourning" serve as powerful **Metaphors** for the distinct ministries of Jesus and John the Baptist, respectively. "Piping" metaphorically represents Jesus' message of joy, grace, and the Kingdom's arrival, inviting celebration. "Mourning" metaphorically represents John's message of repentance, judgment, and a call to sorrow over sin. The children's refusal to "dance" or "weep" is a metaphorical representation of the generation's spiritual stubbornness and inconsistency, rejecting both the joyful and somber calls from God's messengers. This use of common, relatable imagery makes the spiritual indictment vivid and unforgettable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This parable powerfully illustrates humanity's inherent resistance to God's call, regardless of its presentation. It exposes a deep-seated spiritual stubbornness that prioritizes personal preferences and preconceived notions over divine truth. The generation's rejection of both John's asceticism and Jesus' inclusivity reveals a heart unwilling to submit to God's will, demonstrating a profound spiritual immaturity. This highlights the theological truth that true wisdom lies not in dictating how God should speak, but in humbly discerning and responding to His voice, whether it calls for repentance or rejoicing. The parable serves as a timeless indictment of those who find fault with every manifestation of God's grace, preferring their own comfort and self-justification to genuine spiritual engagement.

* [Matthew 11:16-19](/matthew/11-16-19 "Matthew 11:16-19 - The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace")
* [Proverbs 1:20-33](/proverbs/1-20-33 "Proverbs 1:20-33 - Wisdom's Call and Rejection")
* [Hebrews 3:7-19](/hebrews/3-7-19 "Hebrews 3:7-19 - Warning Against Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The parable of the children in the marketplace serves as a profound mirror for self-examination. It challenges us to honestly assess our own receptivity to God's truth. Are we, like those children, prone to finding fault with divine invitations simply because they don't align with our expectations or preferences? Do we dismiss calls to repentance because they feel too somber, or calls to joy and freedom because they seem too unconventional? True spiritual maturity involves a humble willingness to respond appropriately to God's voice, whether it calls for solemn reflection on sin or joyful celebration of grace. This requires an open heart, free from the petulance that rejects truth simply for the sake of contradiction. It encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of God's dealings with humanity, recognizing His wisdom in every approach.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be exhibiting the "marketplace children" syndrome, refusing to respond to God's call because it doesn't fit my expectations?**
* **How do I respond when God's truth challenges my comfort or my preconceived notions about how He should work?**
* **Am I open to both the "piping" (joyful, celebratory) and "mourning" (repentant, somber) aspects of the Christian walk, or do I prefer one over the other to the exclusion of a balanced spiritual life?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more humble and receptive heart, willing to respond to God's wisdom in all its forms?**

### FAQ
**What is the main point of Jesus' parable about the children in the marketplace?**

Answer: The main point of the parable is to illustrate the spiritual stubbornness and inconsistency of the generation Jesus was addressing, particularly the religious leaders. They were unwilling to respond positively to God's messengers, John the Baptist and Jesus, regardless of their differing approaches. John came with an austere message of repentance ("mourned"), and they would not weep; Jesus came with a message of joy and inclusion ("piped"), and they would not dance. Their rejection was not based on the message's content but on a predetermined refusal to believe or obey, demonstrating a childish petulance towards divine truth. This is summarized in [Luke 7:35](/luke/7-35 "Luke 7:35 - Wisdom Justified by Her Children"), where Jesus states that "wisdom is justified of all her children," implying that those who are truly wise will recognize and respond to God's work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Luke 7:32](/luke/7-32 "Luke 7:32 - The Unresponsive Generation") primarily serves as an indictment of a resistant generation, it implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom and the one to whom all people are called to respond. Jesus, the "piping" Messiah, came offering the joyous news of the Kingdom, inviting all to the wedding feast of the Lamb ([Matthew 22:1-14](/matthew/22-1-14 "Matthew 22:1-14 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast"); [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Yet, He also called for repentance and lament over sin, foreshadowing His own suffering and the sorrow of His passion ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry"); [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). The unresponsiveness of the children in the parable highlights the tragic rejection of the very Son of God by His own people ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). In Christ, both the call to repentance and the invitation to joy find their perfect expression and fulfillment. Those who truly embrace Christ respond to both the sorrow of sin and the unspeakable joy of salvation, demonstrating that true wisdom is indeed justified by her children, who recognize and receive God's ultimate revelation in Jesus ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom")).

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

Matthew 11:16

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

Matthew 11:19

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.

Jeremiah 5:3

O LORD, [are] not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, [but] they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

Jeremiah 5:5

I will get me unto the great men, and will speak unto them; for they have known the way of the LORD, [and] the judgment of their God: but these have altogether broken the yoke, [and] burst the bonds.

Isaiah 28:9

¶ Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? [them that are] weaned from the milk, [and] drawn from the breasts.

Isaiah 28:13

But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, [and] there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Proverbs 17:16

¶ Wherefore [is there] a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he hath] no heart [to it]?