¶ And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
And {G1161} as {G5130} they departed {G4198}, Jesus {G2424} began {G756} to say {G3004} unto the multitudes {G3793} concerning {G4012} John {G2491}, What {G5101} went ye {G1831} out into {G1519} the wilderness {G2048} to see {G2300}? A reed {G2563} shaken {G4531} with {G5259} the wind {G417}?
As they were leaving, Yeshua began speaking about Yochanan to the crowds: "What did you go out to the desert to see? Reeds swaying in the breeze?
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?
-
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. -
John 5:35
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. -
Genesis 49:4
Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch. -
Luke 7:24
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? -
Luke 7:30
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. -
Mark 1:3
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. -
Mark 1:5
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
In Matthew 11:7, Jesus begins to address the multitudes concerning John the Baptist, immediately after John's disciples have left. This verse marks a pivotal shift in Jesus' discourse, as He turns from answering John's query about His identity to affirming John's own unique and powerful ministry.
Context
This verse follows a moment of potential doubt for John the Baptist, who, from prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3). Jesus responded by pointing to His miracles and fulfilled prophecies (Matthew 11:4-5). As John's messengers departed, Jesus redirected the crowd's attention to their own experience with John. He challenged them to reflect on their initial motivations for going out to the Judean wilderness, where John had preached and baptized, effectively defending John's character and divine commission against any implied weakness from his recent question.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insight
The phrase "a reed shaken with the wind" (Greek: kalamos hypo anemou saleuomenon) is a vivid metaphor. Reeds were common in marshy areas, easily bent and swayed by the slightest breeze. By asking if they went to see such a thing, Jesus highlights the stark contrast between John's firm, uncompromising nature and the image of someone weak, indecisive, or easily swayed by popular opinion or circumstances. John was known for his austere lifestyle and bold, direct preaching, which was anything but "shaken by the wind."
Significance and Application
Matthew 11:7 calls believers today to consider the nature of true spiritual leadership and the importance of steadfastness in faith. We are challenged not to be "reeds shaken with the wind" in our convictions, easily swayed by cultural pressures, popular opinion, or personal difficulties. Instead, like John the Baptist, we are called to stand firm in our commitment to truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular or challenging. This verse also encourages us to value and seek out authentic spiritual voices that speak God's truth boldly, rather than those who simply tell us what we want to hear or compromise for comfort.