Matthew 11:17

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

And {G2532} saying {G3004}, We have piped {G832} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye have {G3738} not {G3756} danced {G3738}; we have mourned {G2354} unto you {G5213}, and {G2532} ye have {G2875} not {G3756} lamented {G2875}.

`We made happy music, but you wouldn't dance! We made sad music, but you wouldn't cry!'

‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’

and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.

Commentary

In Matthew 11:17, Jesus continues His discourse concerning the unresponsiveness of the generation He was addressing, particularly in contrast to John the Baptist and Himself. This verse is part of a parable or analogy comparing the people of that time to petulant children playing in the marketplace. They are depicted as being impossible to please, refusing to participate in either joyful celebrations or solemn lamentations, regardless of what their playmates initiate.

Context

This verse is deeply embedded in Jesus' teaching about the nature of His ministry and that of John the Baptist. Jesus had just praised John, yet acknowledged that John's austere lifestyle (fasting, asceticism) was rejected by many who called him demon-possessed. Similarly, Jesus' own approach, which was more communal and celebratory (eating and drinking), was also scorned by those who labeled Him a glutton and a winebibber. The analogy of the children highlights the capriciousness and spiritual stubbornness of a generation that refused to respond to either God's call to repentance (through John) or His invitation to grace and fellowship (through Jesus). It sets the stage for the woes He pronounces against unrepentant cities like Chorazin and Bethsaida.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Apathy and Unresponsiveness: The core message is the refusal of the people to engage with God's messengers, no matter the message or the messenger's demeanor. They are unwilling to dance to the "piped" tune of joy or mourn to the "lamented" tune of repentance.
  • Rejection of Divine Invitations: God, through His prophets and ultimately His Son, offers various ways to draw people to Himself. John called for solemn repentance, while Jesus brought good news and fellowship. This generation rejected both, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual indifference.
  • The Nature of the "Unpleasable": The analogy underscores the futility of trying to satisfy those whose hearts are hardened. Their rejection wasn't based on the message's content or the messenger's style, but on an inherent unwillingness to respond to God's call.

Linguistic Insights

The imagery of "piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented" draws directly from the common children's games in ancient marketplaces. Children would mimic adult ceremonies, playing wedding music for dancing or funeral dirges for mourning. The frustration expressed by the "children" (representing John and Jesus) is that their "playmates" (representing the unresponsive generation) refused to participate in either scenario. "Piping" refers to playing flutes, typically for festive occasions, while "mourning" refers to wailing or lamenting, often accompanied by professional mourners at funerals. The verse vividly portrays a spiritual paralysis and an unwillingness to engage with the divine invitation, whether it required joy or sorrow.

Practical Application

Matthew 11:17 serves as a powerful reminder that God's call comes in various forms, and true spiritual maturity involves being responsive to His leading, whether it calls for celebration or repentance. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to find fault or excuses, rather than responding to God's truth? This verse warns against the danger of spiritual stubbornness and the tendency to criticize divine messengers rather than heeding their message. Ultimately, wisdom is justified of her children, meaning that true understanding and acceptance of God's ways are seen in the lives of those who respond appropriately to His varied invitations.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 30:29

    Ye shall have a song, as in the night [when] a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.

  • Jeremiah 31:4

    Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.

  • Matthew 9:15

    And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

  • Jeremiah 9:17

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:

  • Jeremiah 9:20

    Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
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