Matthew 11:7

¶ 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?

Commentary

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

  • John the Baptist's Steadfast Character: Jesus' rhetorical question, "What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" powerfully emphasizes John's unwavering resolve and strength of conviction. A "reed" is a fragile plant easily swayed by every breeze. John was the antithesis of this—he was not fickle, easily influenced by public opinion, or prone to compromise his message.
  • Authenticity of Prophetic Ministry: Jesus implicitly affirms John as a true prophet of God, one who spoke with authority and did not waver in his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah. The crowds had sought out a genuine spiritual leader, not someone who would bend to their desires or fears.
  • Discerning True Spiritual Authority: The question challenges the listeners to examine their own understanding and expectations of a prophet. Were they seeking an entertainer, a political figure, or a true messenger of God who called for repentance (Matthew 3:2)? Jesus guides them to recognize the profound significance of John's ministry.

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.

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

  • 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.
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