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.

The Son {G5207} of man {G444} came {G2064} eating {G2068} and {G2532} drinking {G4095}, and {G2532} they say {G3004}, Behold {G2400} a man {G444} gluttonous {G5314}, and {G2532} a winebibber {G3630}, a friend {G5384} of publicans {G5057} and {G2532} sinners {G268}. But {G2532} wisdom {G4678} is justified {G1344} of {G575} her {G846} children {G5043}.

The Son of Man came, eating freely and drinking wine -- so they say, `Aha! A glutton and a drunkard! A friend of tax-collectors and sinners!' Well, the proof of wisdom is in the actions it produces."

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! And wisdom is justified by her works.

Commentary

Matthew 11:19 offers a profound insight into Jesus's ministry, contrasting his approach with that of John the Baptist and highlighting the spiritual blindness of those who rejected both. It reveals Jesus's radical inclusivity and the ultimate vindication of divine wisdom.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus's larger discourse in Matthew 11, where he addresses the doubts of John the Baptist's disciples and then critiques the generation that rejected both John and himself. John the Baptist "came neither eating nor drinking" (Matthew 11:18) and was accused of having a demon. In stark contrast, Jesus describes himself as the "Son of man came eating and drinking," indicating a more accessible and engaged lifestyle. His critics, primarily the religious leaders, used this openness to accuse him of being "gluttonous" and a "winebibber"—serious charges intended to discredit his moral character. Furthermore, his willingness to be "a friend of publicans and sinners" was scandalous to the Pharisees and scribes, who viewed tax collectors (publicans) and other outcasts as beyond God's grace and unworthy of association.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Misunderstanding and Rejection of Jesus: The accusations against Jesus illustrate the deep-seated prejudice and spiritual blindness of his detractors. They were unwilling to accept God's message, regardless of whether it came through John's asceticism or Jesus's fellowship.
  • Jesus's Radical Inclusivity and Grace: By deliberately associating with "publicans and sinners," Jesus demonstrated the expansive nature of God's grace. He sought out and welcomed those who were marginalized, despised, and deemed spiritually unclean by society and the religious elite, embodying his mission to call sinners to repentance (Luke 15:1).
  • "Wisdom is Justified of Her Children": This concluding declaration is a powerful statement of vindication. Despite the slander and rejection, the divine wisdom inherent in Jesus's actions and teachings would be proven true by those who genuinely responded to God's call. The "children of wisdom" are those with spiritual discernment who recognize and embrace God's truth, regardless of how it manifests, and whose transformed lives bear witness to its righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The title "Son of man" (Greek: ho huios tou anthrōpou) is Jesus's favored self-designation, emphasizing both his true humanity and his unique, divinely appointed role as the Messiah, with roots in Daniel 7:13. The terms "gluttonous" (Greek: phagos) and "winebibber" (Greek: oinopotēs) were pejorative labels, accusing Jesus of excessive indulgence and lack of self-control. The phrase "wisdom is justified of her children" (Greek: edikaiōthē hē sophia apo tōn teknōn autēs) means that true wisdom, which comes from God, is ultimately validated or proven righteous by those who are its genuine followers and whose lives reflect its truth.

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers today to examine their own biases and preconceived notions about how God should work or who deserves His grace. It calls us to embody Jesus's radical inclusivity, reaching out to those on the fringes of society, just as He was a friend to publicans and sinners. Ultimately, it reminds us that true wisdom is not found in rigid legalism or social exclusion, but in discerning and embracing God's compassionate heart and His transformative power, which is validated by the lives of those who respond to it.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 9:10 (8 votes)

    And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

  • Matthew 9:11 (8 votes)

    And when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

  • Luke 15:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

  • Luke 15:2 (7 votes)

    And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

  • Luke 7:34 (7 votes)

    The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

  • Luke 7:36 (7 votes)

    ¶ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

  • Luke 19:7 (7 votes)

    And when they saw [it], they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.