Luke 7:33

KJV

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} John {G2491} the Baptist {G910} came {G2064} neither {G3383} eating {G2068} bread {G740} nor {G3383} drinking {G4095} wine {G3631}; and {G2532} ye say {G3004}, He hath {G2192} a devil {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Yochanan has come not eating bread and not drinking wine; and you say, `He has a demon!'

Berean Standard Bible

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’

American Standard Version

For John the Baptist is come eating no bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a demon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 7:33 captures Jesus' poignant observation regarding the irrational and contradictory criticisms leveled against John the Baptist by the people of His generation. Despite John's austere and self-denying lifestyle, which clearly set him apart as a prophet, his detractors dismissed him as demon-possessed. This verse serves as a prelude to Jesus' further indictment of their spiritual blindness, highlighting their unwillingness to accept divine truth regardless of how it was presented, whether through John's asceticism or Jesus' more integrated social engagement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a broader discourse by Jesus, immediately following His profound commendation of John the Baptist to the crowds, where He declares John to be "more than a prophet" and the messenger prophesied in Malachi ([Luke 7:24-28](/luke/7-24-28 "Luke 7:24-28 - Jesus' Commendation of John")). Jesus then laments the spiritual stubbornness of "this generation" ([Luke 7:31](/luke/7-31 "Luke 7:31 - Jesus' Parable of the Children in the Marketplace")), comparing them to children who refuse to play along, regardless of the tune. Luke 7:33, followed by Luke 7:34, forms a striking **juxtaposition** illustrating this very point: John came with a severe, ascetic lifestyle and was rejected, while Jesus came eating and drinking, and was also rejected, albeit with different accusations. This passage underscores the deep-seated resistance to God's messengers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's lifestyle, characterized by "neither eating bread nor drinking wine," would have been immediately recognizable to his contemporaries as profoundly ascetic. This abstinence likely evoked the Nazirite vow (as seen in [Numbers 6:1-21](/numbers/6-1-21 "Numbers 6 - The Nazirite Vow")), which involved abstaining from wine and grape products, or the practices of certain wilderness prophets like Elijah, who lived simply and outside societal norms ([2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "2 Kings 1:8 - Elijah's Appearance")). Such a lifestyle was meant to signify dedication to God, separation from worldly pleasures, and a prophetic calling. The accusation "He hath a devil" was a severe charge, often leveled against those whose behavior or teachings were deemed abnormal, threatening, or contrary to established religious authority, implying that their power or message originated from evil spirits rather than God. This was a common tactic to discredit prophets and spiritual leaders who challenged the status quo.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 7:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Rejection of God's Messengers**, a recurring motif throughout salvation history, from the Old Testament prophets to John the Baptist and ultimately, Jesus Himself. No matter how God's truth is presented, a hardened heart will find an excuse to reject it. Secondly, the verse exposes the **Hypocrisy and Unreasonableness** of those who opposed God's will; they condemned John for his abstinence and Jesus for His social engagement, demonstrating a prejudiced heart unwilling to accept truth, rather than a genuine concern for righteousness. This spiritual blindness is a central theme in Jesus' teaching, often illustrated through parables like the [Parable of the Sower](/luke/8-4-15 "Luke 8:4-15 - The Parable of the Sower"). Finally, it emphasizes **John the Baptist's Unique Prophetic Calling**, underscoring his role as the forerunner who prepared the way for the Messiah, a role marked by distinct asceticism and a powerful message of repentance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb signifies a purposeful arrival or appearance. In the context of John, it denotes his divine commission and public emergence as God's messenger, not merely an incidental presence. His coming was an event of prophetic significance, marking the inauguration of a new phase in God's redemptive plan.
* **eating (Greek, _esthíō'_):** This word refers to the literal act of consuming food. In John's case, the negation "neither eating bread" emphasizes his abstemious diet, which was notably different from ordinary societal norms and indicative of his prophetic and ascetic lifestyle, often associated with fasting and a diet of wild provisions.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion'_):** This term refers to a demonic being or, by extension, a deity. In this context, it is used pejoratively to accuse John of being possessed by or under the influence of an evil spirit. This accusation was a severe form of slander, attempting to delegitimize his message and divine authority by attributing his distinct behavior to malevolent spiritual forces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine;":** This clause describes John's distinctive, ascetic lifestyle. "Eating bread" and "drinking wine" represent normal human sustenance and social engagement. The "neither...nor" emphasizes his complete abstinence from these common elements, setting him apart as a figure dedicated to God in a unique, prophetic manner, reminiscent of a Nazirite or Elijah. This lifestyle was a visible sign of his urgent message of repentance and preparation for the Messiah.
* **"and ye say, He hath a devil.":** This clause reveals the accusation leveled against John by "this generation." Despite the clear prophetic implications of his lifestyle, his critics chose to interpret his distinctiveness as evidence of demonic possession. This accusation highlights their spiritual blindness and their malicious intent to discredit John's divinely appointed ministry, demonstrating a refusal to acknowledge God's work through His messenger.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting John's austere lifestyle ("neither eating bread nor drinking wine") with the severe accusation ("He hath a devil"). This highlights the irrationality of the critics. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as John, a prophet sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, is accused of being under the influence of the very forces of evil he opposes. Furthermore, the accusation itself can be seen as **Hyperbole**, an exaggerated and extreme charge used to dismiss and demonize John rather than engage with the truth of his message. This rhetorical strategy reveals the deep-seated prejudice and spiritual resistance of "this generation."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 7:33 profoundly illustrates the persistent human tendency to reject divine truth and God's messengers, regardless of their method or message. It underscores a tragic pattern seen throughout biblical history: those sent by God to call people to repentance and righteousness are often met not with open hearts, but with suspicion, misunderstanding, and outright hostility. The critics' inconsistent condemnation of both John's asceticism and Jesus' social engagement reveals a deeper issue of spiritual rebellion—a heart unwilling to submit to God's authority or acknowledge His work. This rejection stems from a desire to maintain personal autonomy and avoid the challenging call to repentance and transformation, preferring to invent excuses rather than embrace truth.

* [Jeremiah 7:25-26](/jeremiah/7-25-26 "Jeremiah 7:25-26 - Israel's Rejection of Prophets")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")
* [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Stephen's Rebuke of the Sanhedrin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 7:33 serves as a sobering reminder that faithfulness to God's calling, regardless of the form it takes, can often invite unwarranted criticism and false accusations from a world unwilling to receive divine truth. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts: are we quick to judge others based on superficial appearances, personal preferences, or preconceived notions, rather than discerning the Spirit behind their actions and message? This verse encourages us to cultivate a receptive heart, one that is open to God's truth even when it comes in unexpected or challenging forms, and to be wary of the spiritual blindness that leads to condemning what God has sent. It also calls us to courageously stand firm in our God-given calling, understanding that our ultimate accountability is to God, not to the fickle opinions of others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be prone to judging others based on external appearances or personal preferences, rather than seeking to understand the spiritual essence of their message or life?**
* **How does this verse challenge my willingness to accept truth, even when it comes in a form that might be uncomfortable or contrary to my expectations?**
* **What false accusations or criticisms have I faced for following God's call, and how can I respond with grace and faithfulness, remembering John the Baptist's example?**

### FAQ

**Why was John the Baptist's lifestyle considered so unusual, and what was its significance?**

Answer: John the Baptist's lifestyle, characterized by "neither eating bread nor drinking wine," was highly unusual for his time. It signified a profound asceticism, a deliberate separation from typical societal norms and pleasures. This abstinence likely echoed the ancient Nazirite vow ([Numbers 6](/numbers/6 "Numbers 6 - The Law of the Nazirite")) and the practices of Old Testament prophets like Elijah ([2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "2 Kings 1:8 - Elijah's Appearance")), who lived simply in the wilderness. Its significance was multifaceted: it underscored his prophetic dedication and urgency, symbolized his role as a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Messiah, and served as a stark visual sermon calling people to repentance and a radical commitment to God.

**What does it mean that "ye say, He hath a devil"?**

Answer: This accusation was a severe and malicious charge. To say someone "hath a devil" (or "is demon-possessed") implied that their actions, words, or power originated from evil spirits rather than from God. It was a common tactic used by religious authorities and critics to discredit individuals whose teachings or behavior challenged the established order or were perceived as abnormal. In John's case, his asceticism and powerful, uncompromising message were so unsettling to some that they resorted to the most extreme form of slander to dismiss him and avoid the implications of his divine calling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 7:33, detailing the rejection of John the Baptist, serves as a poignant foreshadowing of the ultimate rejection and suffering of Jesus Christ. John, as the forerunner, prepared the way for the Messiah, and both faced similar, albeit distinct, forms of opposition from the same spiritually blind generation. The accusation against John, "He hath a devil," directly parallels the very same charge leveled against Jesus Himself by the religious leaders ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Accusation of Beelzebul") and [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Jesus Accused of Having a Demon")). Just as John's unique lifestyle was misunderstood and condemned, Jesus' life of full engagement with humanity, eating and drinking with sinners, was also twisted into an accusation of being "a glutton and a winebibber" ([Luke 7:34](/luke/7-34 "Luke 7:34 - Jesus' Description of Himself")). This consistent pattern of rejection, culminating in the crucifixion of Christ, reveals humanity's deep-seated resistance to God's truth and His messengers. Yet, it is through this very rejection that God's redemptive plan was fulfilled, as the "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world, transforming the ultimate act of human rejection into the ultimate act of divine love and salvation.

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

Luke 1:15

For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

Mark 1:6

And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;

Jeremiah 16:8

Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink.

Jeremiah 16:10

¶ And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the LORD pronounced all this great evil against us? or what [is] our iniquity? or what [is] our sin that we have committed against the LORD our God?

John 8:52

Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.

Acts 2:13

Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

John 10:20

And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?