Matthew 11:18

KJV

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} John {G2491} came {G2064} neither {G3383} eating {G2068} nor {G3383} drinking {G4095}, and {G2532} they say {G3004}, He hath {G2192} a devil {G1140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Yochanan came, fasting, not drinking -- so they say, `He has a demon.'

Berean Standard Bible

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’

American Standard Version

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a demon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:18 reveals the paradoxical and unjust criticism leveled against John the Baptist by the people of his generation. Despite John's austere, ascetic lifestyle, which was a clear sign of his prophetic calling and a stark summons to repentance, his detractors dismissed him by baselessly accusing him of being demon-possessed. This verse highlights the deep spiritual resistance to God's messengers, regardless of their method or message, setting the stage for the equally unfounded accusations against Jesus in the following verse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a pivotal discourse by Jesus concerning John the Baptist, immediately following Jesus' profound affirmation of John's unique role as the prophesied forerunner of the Messiah, as detailed in [Matthew 11:7-15](/matthew/11-7-15 "Matthew 11:7-15 - Jesus' Testimony About John the Baptist"). Jesus' words elevate John above all prophets, acknowledging his fulfillment of the prophecy in [Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant"). However, the immediate verses leading into Matthew 11:18, particularly [Matthew 11:16-17](/matthew/11-16-17 "Matthew 11:16-17 - The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace"), introduce a lament over the stubborn, inconsistent, and spiritually unresponsive nature of "this generation." They are likened to petulant children who refuse to play any game, whether mournful or joyful, symbolizing their rejection of both John's severe call to repentance and Jesus' more accessible message of grace. Matthew 11:18 then provides the specific accusation against John, directly illustrating this generation's unresponsiveness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist's ascetic lifestyle, characterized by living in the wilderness, wearing camel's hair, eating locusts and wild honey ([Matthew 3:4](/matthew/3-4 "Matthew 3:4 - John the Baptist's Appearance and Diet")), and abstaining from wine, was reminiscent of Old Testament prophets like Elijah ([2 Kings 1:8](/2_kings/1-8 "2 Kings 1:8 - Elijah's Appearance")) and was a visible sign of his dedication to God and a radical call to repentance. Such a lifestyle often set prophets apart from societal norms, signifying their divine commission and detachment from worldly comforts. However, in Jewish culture, certain behaviors or perceived eccentricities could be misconstrued as signs of madness or demonic influence, especially if the message delivered was unwelcome or challenged the status quo. Accusations of demon possession were a common way to discredit individuals whose teachings or actions threatened established religious authorities or popular opinions, effectively dismissing their message without engaging its substance. This was a grave slander, implying spiritual corruption or insanity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to the overarching theme of **rejection of God's messengers** that permeates the Gospels. It highlights the profound **spiritual blindness and inconsistency** of a generation that could not discern the divine origin of John's ministry, despite its clear prophetic fulfillment and powerful call to repentance. The accusation against John, when contrasted with the subsequent accusation against Jesus in [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus Accused of Gluttony and Drunkenness"), underscores the theme of **unjustified criticism and hypocrisy**. The critics were not genuinely concerned with the messengers' methods (whether ascetic or communal) but rather with their unwillingness to accept God's challenging message itself. This illustrates a deeper spiritual malaise where the "wisdom" of God, embodied in both John and Jesus, is rejected by those who claim to be wise, leading to their ultimate condemnation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **came (Greek, _érchomai_):** This verb signifies "to come or go" in a variety of applications, often implying a purposeful arrival. In the context of John, it emphasizes his divinely appointed appearance and mission. He "came" not by his own will, but as one sent by God, fulfilling a specific prophetic role. The manner of his coming (neither eating nor drinking) was integral to his prophetic identity and message, yet it became the very pretext for his rejection.
* **eating (Greek, _esthíō_):** This word, along with "drinking," refers to the act of consuming food. For John, "neither eating nor drinking" specifically points to his ascetic lifestyle, likely involving fasting or adherence to Nazirite vows (though not explicitly stated as such, it shares similarities) or a general abstention from the usual social feasting and wine-drinking. This austere practice was a visible sign of his prophetic seriousness and a call to a radical, repentant separation from worldly indulgence.
* **devil (Greek, _daimónion_):** This term refers to a "demonic being" or, by extension, a "deity." In the New Testament, it most commonly denotes an evil spirit or demon. The accusation "He hath a devil" was a severe charge, implying that John was demon-possessed, insane, or acting under satanic influence. This was a common tactic used by opponents to discredit divine messengers, including Jesus Himself, by attributing their power or unusual behavior to evil forces rather than God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For John came neither eating nor drinking":** This clause establishes the premise for the subsequent accusation. It describes John the Baptist's distinct, ascetic lifestyle. "Neither eating nor drinking" refers to his severe abstinence from typical social customs of feasting and wine, contrasting sharply with the more communal and accessible lifestyle of Jesus. This austere mode of living was a hallmark of John's prophetic ministry, signifying his separation unto God and his urgent call for repentance and preparation for the Messiah.
* **"and they say":** This phrase introduces the collective voice of John's detractors, indicating a widespread or commonly held opinion among "this generation" (as described in [Matthew 11:16](/matthew/11-16 "Matthew 11:16 - The Parable of the Children in the Marketplace")). It highlights the judgmental and critical stance of those who refused to accept John's message, choosing instead to condemn the messenger. The "they" likely refers to the religious leaders and the unresponsive crowds whom Jesus laments.
* **"He hath a devil":** This is the damning accusation leveled against John. To "have a devil" (Greek: _daimonion echei_) meant to be possessed by an evil spirit, implying madness, spiritual corruption, or even being an agent of Satan. This accusation was a complete rejection of John's divine authority and prophetic message, designed to invalidate his ministry and dismiss his call to repentance without intellectual or spiritual engagement. It was a severe form of slander, aimed at discrediting him entirely.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:18 employs several powerful literary devices. **Juxtaposition** is central, contrasting John's ascetic, divinely appointed "coming" with the baseless, malicious accusation hurled against him. This sets up a stark comparison between the messenger's holy intent and the critics' unholy judgment. **Irony** is also prominently displayed: John's self-denying, wilderness lifestyle, which should have been recognized as a sign of prophetic devotion and separation unto God, is twisted into evidence of demonic possession. This highlights the perverse logic of those who reject God's truth. Furthermore, the accusation "He hath a devil" functions as **slander** and **hyperbole**, an extreme and unfounded charge designed to utterly discredit John and avoid the challenging implications of his message. This rhetorical strategy reveals the spiritual bankruptcy of the accusers, who resort to character assassination rather than genuine discernment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 11:18 powerfully illustrates the consistent pattern of humanity's resistance to God's messengers throughout salvation history. John the Baptist's rejection, despite his clear prophetic anointing and austere lifestyle, mirrors the rejection faced by Old Testament prophets who called Israel to repentance. This verse underscores the deep-seated spiritual blindness that often prefers to discredit the messenger rather than confront the uncomfortable truth of the message. The ultimate irony is that those who claimed spiritual insight were the very ones unable to discern God's work in their midst, whether through John's severe call or Jesus' more gracious invitation. This rejection is not merely a historical anecdote but a recurring theological theme, highlighting the human heart's propensity to resist divine authority and wisdom, often by resorting to baseless accusations and character assassination.

* [Matthew 3:7](/matthew/3-7 "Matthew 3:7 - John's Confrontation of Pharisees and Sadducees")
* [John 7:20](/john/7-20 "John 7:20 - People Accuse Jesus of Having a Demon")
* [Luke 13:34](/luke/13-34 "Luke 13:34 - Jesus Laments Over Jerusalem's Rejection of Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:18 serves as a profound reminder that faithfulness to God's calling, even when it involves a counter-cultural or challenging lifestyle, often invites misunderstanding, criticism, and even slander from those unwilling to accept divine truth. John's experience teaches us that the world's approval is not the measure of spiritual authenticity or effectiveness. Instead, we are called to discern and embrace God's wisdom, which is "justified by her children" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Wisdom Justified by Her Children")), meaning that the true nature and validity of God's ways are ultimately revealed through the lives and fruit of those who respond to them. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we quick to judge others based on superficial appearances or preconceived notions, or are we open to discerning God's work, even when it comes in unexpected forms or challenges our comfort zones? It encourages resilience in the face of unfair criticism, knowing that our ultimate vindication comes from God, not from human opinion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I tend to react when a message or messenger challenges my preconceived notions or comfortable way of living?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to dismiss or discredit someone who lives or speaks differently than I expect God's messenger to?**
* **What does John's experience teach me about the nature of opposition that true spiritual ministry might face?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that is open to discerning God's wisdom, even when it appears in unexpected or unpopular forms?**

### FAQ

**Why was John the Baptist accused of having a devil?**

Answer: John the Baptist was accused of having a devil primarily because his ascetic and unconventional lifestyle, coupled with his uncompromising message of repentance, made him an uncomfortable figure for many, especially the religious establishment. He came "neither eating nor drinking," which implied a severe, fasting-oriented existence, possibly reminiscent of an Old Testament prophet or a Nazirite vow. Instead of recognizing this as a sign of his prophetic devotion and separation unto God, his critics chose to interpret it negatively. In Jewish culture of the time, unusual or extreme behavior, especially if it challenged the status quo, was sometimes attributed to madness or demonic influence. By accusing John of being demon-possessed, his opponents could dismiss his message and invalidate his authority without having to genuinely engage with the challenging call to repentance he proclaimed. This was a convenient way to discredit a messenger whose words they did not want to hear.

**What does "neither eating nor drinking" mean in the context of John's ministry?**

Answer: The phrase "neither eating nor drinking" refers to John the Baptist's austere, ascetic lifestyle. It indicates his abstention from the normal social customs of feasting and wine consumption. Unlike Jesus, who came "eating and drinking" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus' Lifestyle")), John lived a life of severe self-denial, likely involving regular fasting and a detachment from worldly comforts. This was not merely a personal preference but a deliberate prophetic act. It symbolized his urgent call to repentance, his separation unto God, and his role as a wilderness prophet preparing the way for the Messiah. His lifestyle was a visual sermon, emphasizing seriousness, spiritual urgency, and a break from the indulgent ways of the world, serving as a stark contrast to the religious hypocrisy of his day.

**How does this verse relate to Jesus' own ministry and the reception He received?**

Answer: Matthew 11:18 is crucial because it sets up a direct contrast with Jesus' own experience, which is detailed immediately in [Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus' Contrasting Reception"). John came with an ascetic, severe lifestyle and was accused of having a devil. Jesus, on the other hand, came "eating and drinking," participating in social life, and was accused of being "a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners." This highlights the profound inconsistency and spiritual blindness of "this generation." No matter the approach—whether austere or accessible—the critics found a reason to reject God's messenger. The common thread was not the messengers' methods, but the critics' unwillingness to accept God's challenging message itself. Both John and Jesus faced similar accusations of being demon-possessed ([John 7:20](/john/7-20 "John 7:20 - People Accuse Jesus of Having a Demon"); [John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Accusations of Demonic Possession Against Jesus"); [John 10:20](/john/10-20 "John 10:20 - Many Say Jesus Has a Demon")). This demonstrates that the problem lay with the resistant hearts of the people, not with the divine wisdom embodied by John or Jesus.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:18, while specifically addressing John the Baptist's rejection, powerfully foreshadows and illuminates the ultimate rejection of Jesus Christ. John, as the forerunner, experienced the initial wave of hostility and misunderstanding that would fully crest upon the Messiah Himself. Just as John's austere lifestyle was twisted into an accusation of demonic possession, Jesus, despite His compassionate and accessible ministry, was similarly slandered with charges of being demon-possessed ([John 8:48](/john/8-48 "John 8:48 - Jesus Accused of Having a Demon")), mad ([Mark 3:21](/mark/3-21 "Mark 3:21 - Jesus' Family Thinks He is Out of His Mind")), and even in league with Satan ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Pharisees Accuse Jesus of Casting Out Demons by Beelzebul")). This verse underscores the prophetic pattern of the world's hostility towards divine truth and those who embody it. Ultimately, Jesus, the perfect embodiment of God's wisdom, came to a world that "did not know Him" ([John 1:10](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - The World Did Not Know Him")) and "His own people did not receive Him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - His Own Did Not Receive Him")). His suffering and rejection, culminating in the cross, were the ultimate fulfillment of this pattern of hostility, demonstrating that the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) would be "justified by her children" ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Wisdom Justified by Her Children")), not by the world's approval, but by the transformative power of the Gospel in the lives of those who believe.

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.

Matthew 3:4

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

John 8:48

Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?

John 10:20

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

Hosea 9:7

¶ The days of visitation are come, the days of recompence are come; Israel shall know [it]: the prophet [is] a fool, the spiritual man [is] mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

John 7:20

The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee?

Matthew 10:25

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more [shall they call] them of his household?