Matthew 11:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 11:17, Jesus employs a vivid analogy of children playing in the marketplace to illustrate the spiritual stubbornness and unresponsiveness of His generation. He describes how these "children" (representing the people) refuse to participate in either joyful celebrations ("piped unto you, and ye have not danced") or solemn lamentations ("mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented"), regardless of the tune played by their companions (representing John the Baptist and Jesus Himself). This parable underscores the inherent resistance to God's varied invitations, whether calling for repentance or rejoicing, revealing a deep-seated spiritual apathy that finds fault with every divine approach.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' discourse concerning the nature of His ministry and that of John the Baptist, immediately following His praise for John (Matthew 11:7-15) and His declaration that John is the Elijah who was to come. Jesus highlights the paradoxical reception of both messengers: John, with his ascetic lifestyle, was dismissed as demon-possessed (Matthew 11:18), while Jesus, who came "eating and drinking," was slandered as a "glutton and a winebibber" (Matthew 11:19). The analogy of the children in the marketplace (Matthew 11:16-19) serves as a poignant indictment of a generation that refused to respond to either the austere call to repentance from John or the gracious invitation to fellowship and the Kingdom from Jesus. This unresponsiveness sets the stage for the [woes Jesus pronounces against unrepentant cities](/matthew/11-20-24 "Matthew 11:20-24 - Woes Against Unrepentant Cities") like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, emphasizing the severe consequences of rejecting divine truth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Matthew 11:17 draws from common scenes of daily life in ancient Israel. Marketplaces were vibrant centers of social activity, where children often mimicked adult behaviors and ceremonies. Children's games frequently involved role-playing, including mock weddings with joyful music (piping, dancing) and mock funerals with solemn dirges (mourning, lamenting). Professional mourners, often women, were a common feature at actual funerals, leading the wailing and lamentation. The use of flutes (pipes) was customary for festive occasions. Jesus' analogy would have been immediately relatable to His audience, highlighting the petulant, inconsistent, and ultimately uncooperative nature of the "children" who refused to engage in any activity, regardless of its nature. This reflects a broader cultural understanding of social engagement and responsiveness.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme conveyed in this verse is the **Spiritual Apathy and Unresponsiveness** of the generation Jesus addressed. Despite the distinct approaches of John the Baptist (calling for repentance and judgment) and Jesus (proclaiming grace and the Kingdom), the people remained stubbornly resistant, unwilling to embrace either message. This illustrates a profound **Rejection of Divine Invitations**, as God, through His chosen messengers, extended various pathways for humanity to draw near to Him, yet these were met with indifference and criticism. The analogy also underscores the **Unpleasable Nature of a Hardened Heart**, demonstrating that for those determined not to respond, no message or messenger, regardless of their style or content, will suffice. This spiritual obstinacy is a recurring theme in the Gospels, highlighting the human tendency to resist God's truth, even when presented with compelling evidence and divine authority, as seen in the broader narrative of [Jesus' ministry in Matthew](/matthew/11 "Matthew 11 - Jesus' Teachings and Miracles").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **piped (Greek, _auléō'_):** From *aulos*, meaning a flute. To play the flute, typically for festive occasions like weddings or celebrations. In this context, it signifies the joyful, celebratory invitation extended by Jesus and His ministry.
* **danced (Greek, _orchéomai'_):** From a word meaning a row or ring. To dance, implying a rhythmic, regular motion, often in a circle or line. Here, it represents the joyful and willing participation in the celebration or new reality offered.
* **mourned (Greek, _thrēnéō'_):** From *thrēnos*, meaning a lament. To bewail, to express deep sorrow or grief, often publicly. This word signifies the call to repentance, sorrow over sin, and solemn reflection, as exemplified by John the Baptist's ministry.
* **lamented (Greek, _kóptō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to chop" or "to beat." Specifically, to beat the breast in grief, a common expression of profound sorrow or mourning. It reinforces the idea of deep, physical expression of grief and repentance, which the people refused to do.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And saying, We have piped unto you,"**: This phrase introduces the complaint of the "children" (representing John the Baptist and Jesus) who initiated a joyful scenario. "Piped" refers to playing the flute, a common instrument for festive occasions like weddings. It symbolizes the joyous, liberating, and grace-filled message and ministry of Jesus, which invited people to celebrate the arrival of the Kingdom of God.
* **"and ye have not danced;"**: This clause highlights the unresponsiveness of the "playmates" (the unrepentant generation). Despite the invitation to joy and celebration, they refused to participate. Their refusal to "dance" signifies their unwillingness to embrace the good news, to rejoice in God's presence, or to enter into the festive reality of the Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.
* **"we have mourned unto you,"**: This shifts to the opposite scenario, representing the ministry of John the Baptist. "Mourned" refers to playing mournful tunes or engaging in lamentation, typical of funerals or times of repentance and sorrow over sin. It symbolizes John's austere call to repentance, self-denial, and preparation for divine judgment, which required a solemn and contrite heart.
* **"and ye have not lamented."**: This final clause reiterates the persistent unresponsiveness. Just as they refused to dance to joy, they also refused to lament in sorrow. Their unwillingness to "lament" signifies their refusal to acknowledge their sin, to repent, or to take seriously the warnings of judgment. This reveals a deep-seated spiritual indifference that rejected both God's call to joy and His call to repentance.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The primary device is **Analogy**, where Jesus compares the unresponsive generation to petulant children in a marketplace. This analogy simplifies a complex spiritual truth, making it relatable and memorable. The actions of "piping" and "mourning" are forms of **Symbolism**, representing two distinct divine invitations: the joyful, grace-filled message of Jesus (like a wedding celebration) and the solemn, repentant call of John the Baptist (like a funeral dirge). The children's refusal to respond to either scenario highlights the spiritual stubbornness and inconsistency of the people. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the children's complaint; those who should be eager to play are refusing, mirroring the irony of a people who should be eager for God's messengers but are instead resistant. The implied **Personification** of the "wisdom" in the following verse (Matthew 11:19), which is "justified by her children," subtly connects to this verse by implying that true wisdom is demonstrated by a right response, not by finding fault.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the human propensity for spiritual resistance and the profound tragedy of rejecting God's persistent invitations. Theologically, it reveals that God's approach to humanity is multifaceted, offering both paths of joyous celebration in His presence and solemn repentance for sin. Yet, the unresponsiveness depicted here highlights humanity's fallen nature, which often prefers self-will and criticism over humble submission and reception of divine truth. It speaks to the danger of a hardened heart that finds fault with every expression of God's grace or call to righteousness, ultimately rendering itself impervious to spiritual growth and salvation. The verse warns against the spiritual paralysis that comes from an unwillingness to engage with God on His terms, whether those terms involve joy or sorrow, celebration or introspection.

* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The People's Unresponsiveness to God's Word")
* [Jeremiah 7:23-26](/jeremiah/7-23-26 "Jeremiah 7:23-26 - Israel's Disobedience and Stubbornness")
* [Luke 7:31-35](/luke/7-31-35 "Luke 7:31-35 - Jesus' Parable of the Children in the Marketplace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:17 serves as a profound mirror for self-reflection, challenging us to examine the posture of our own hearts towards God's multifaceted invitations. Are we quick to find fault or make excuses, or are we truly responsive to the Spirit's leading, whether it calls us to celebration or to repentance? This verse warns against the insidious danger of spiritual apathy – a condition where we become so entrenched in our own preferences or criticisms that we miss God's voice entirely. True spiritual maturity involves a flexible and humble heart, willing to dance when God pipes a tune of joy and grace, and willing to lament when He calls us to mourn over sin or brokenness. It reminds us that God's wisdom is indeed "justified by her children" (Matthew 11:19), meaning that genuine understanding and acceptance of God's ways are demonstrated by our appropriate and willing response to His varied calls, rather than by our ability to critique or dismiss them. Let us pray for hearts that are soft, discerning, and eager to participate fully in all that God invites us to.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I resistant to God's invitations, whether they call for joy or for solemn reflection?**
* **How do I tend to react when God's message or messenger doesn't fit my preconceived notions or preferences?**
* **Am I more prone to spiritual apathy or to genuine responsiveness when faced with challenges or changes in my spiritual journey?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more flexible and humble heart, open to all of God's leadings?**

### FAQ
**What is the main point of Jesus' analogy in Matthew 11:17?**

Answer: The main point of Jesus' analogy is to highlight the spiritual stubbornness and unresponsiveness of the generation He was addressing. He compares them to petulant children who refuse to participate in any game, whether it's a joyful wedding celebration or a solemn funeral lament. This illustrates that no matter how God's messengers (John the Baptist with his call to repentance, or Jesus with His message of grace and the Kingdom) presented the divine invitation, the people found reasons to reject it, demonstrating a deep-seated spiritual apathy and unwillingness to engage with God on His terms.

**Who are the "children" in this parable, and what do "piping" and "mourning" represent?**

Answer: In this parable, the "children" who are "piping" and "mourning" represent God's messengers, specifically John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. "Piping" (playing the flute) represents the joyful, celebratory message of the Kingdom of God brought by Jesus, inviting people to embrace grace and new life. "Mourning" (lamenting) represents the solemn call to repentance and sorrow over sin, characteristic of John the Baptist's ministry. The "playmates" who refuse to dance or lament represent the unrepentant and spiritually unresponsive generation of that time.

**How does this verse relate to us today?**

Answer: Matthew 11:17 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual indifference and the danger of a hardened heart. It challenges us to examine our own responsiveness to God's various calls. God continues to invite us in diverse ways – through moments of joy and celebration, through calls to repentance and introspection, through the Word, and through the Holy Spirit. This verse urges us not to be like the children who refused to engage, but to cultivate a flexible and humble heart that is willing to respond appropriately to all of God's invitations, whether they lead to dancing in celebration or lamenting in repentance. It reminds us that true wisdom is demonstrated by our willingness to follow God's lead, not by our ability to find fault or make excuses, as articulated in [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Wisdom Justified by Her Deeds").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:17, though a lament about rejection, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's ultimate invitation. Jesus, the one "piping" the joyful tune of the Kingdom, would ultimately become the "mourned" one, enduring the ultimate lamentation on the cross. His life was the perfect embodiment of God's gracious invitation to fellowship, yet He was "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant"). The very people who refused to dance to His joyous message would later cry out for His crucifixion, demonstrating the profound depth of human unresponsiveness. However, in His death and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate response to humanity's sin and spiritual apathy. He took upon Himself the "lament" of our sin, so that we might "dance" in the freedom of His forgiveness. The Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the fact that despite the world's rejection, Jesus' sacrifice opened the way for all who would truly respond – to repent of their sin and embrace the joyous new life found only in Him. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and the one who offers rest to all who are weary and burdened ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), a rest that requires a responsive heart.

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

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.