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A reed swaying in the wind?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/11-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/40_Mat_11_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 11:7 - Jesus Testifies about John" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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? 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A reed swayed by the wind? <a href="/nlt/matthew/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? <a href="/esv/matthew/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And as these were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/kjv/matthew/11.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/11.htm">New King James Version</a> As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/nasb_/matthew/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> As these disciples of John were going away, Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/nasb/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, &#8220What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/nasb77/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And as these were going away, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/lsb/matthew/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now as these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/amp/matthew/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out in the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind [which is commonplace]? <a href="/csb/matthew/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> As these men 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? <a href="/hcsb/matthew/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> As these men went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: &#8220What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? <a href="/asv/matthew/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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? <a href="/cev/matthew/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> As John's followers were going away, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John: What sort of person did you go out into the desert to see? Was he like tall grass blown about by the wind? <a href="/erv/matthew/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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? <a href="/gwt/matthew/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As they were leaving, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John. "What did you go into the desert to see? Tall grass swaying in the wind? <a href="/gnt/matthew/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> While John's disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke about him to the crowds: "When you went out to John in the desert, what did you expect to see? A blade of grass bending in the wind? <a href="/isv/matthew/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> As they were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/msb/matthew/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/net/matthew/11.htm">NET Bible</a> While they were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/nheb/matthew/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And as these went their way, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/wbt/matthew/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? a reed shaken with the wind? <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the messengers had taken their leave, Jesus proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind? <a href="/web/matthew/11.htm">World English Bible</a> As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And as they are going, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, “What did you go out to the wilderness to view? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And as these were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/ylt/matthew/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And as they are going, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, 'What went ye out to the wilderness to view? -- a reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/slt/matthew/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And these going forth, Jesus began to say to the crowds concerning John, What went ye forth into the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when they went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? a reed shaken with the wind? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then, after they departed, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/nabre/matthew/11.htm">New American Bible</a> As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When they went away, Jesus began to speak to the people concerning John, What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A reed which is shaken by the wind? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when they departed, Yeshua began to say to the crowds about Yohannan, “What did you go out to the wilderness to see, a reed shaken by the wind?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> As these were going away, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? <a href="/godbey/matthew/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And they departing, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John, <FR>What went you out in the wilderness to see? a reed shaken by the wind?<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And when they were gone, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? <a href="/mace/matthew/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> As they departed, Jesus said to the people, speaking of John, what did ye go to see in the desert? a reed shaken with the wind? <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> When the messengers had taken their leave, Jesus proceeded to say to the multitude concerning John, "What did you go out into the Desert to gaze at? A reed waving in the wind? <a href="/worrell/matthew/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, as these were going, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, <FR>"What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken by the wind?<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And as they departed, Jesus took occasion to say to the people concerning John, <FR>What went ye out into the desert to see? a reed shaken by the wind?<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/11-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2773" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Jesus Testifies about John</a> 6Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.” 7<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: Toutōn (DPro-GMP) -- This; he, she, it. ">As John’s disciples</a> <a href="/greek/4198.htm" title="4198: poreuomenōn (V-PPM/P-GMP) -- To travel, journey, go, die. ">were leaving,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/756.htm" title="756: ērxato (V-AIM-3S) -- To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence.">began</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legein (V-PNA) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">to speak</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3793.htm" title="3793: ochlois (N-DMP) -- From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot.">crowds</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John:</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/1831.htm" title="1831: exēlthate (V-AIA-2P) -- To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue.">did you go out</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2048.htm" title="2048: erēmon (Adj-AFS) -- Lonesome, i.e. waste.">wilderness</a> <a href="/greek/2300.htm" title="2300: theasasthai (V-ANM) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit.">to see?</a> <a href="/greek/2563.htm" title="2563: kalamon (N-AMS) -- A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen.">A reed</a> <a href="/greek/4531.htm" title="4531: saleuomenon (V-PPM/P-AMS) -- From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite.">swaying</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">in</a> <a href="/greek/417.htm" title="417: anemou (N-GMS) -- The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters.">the wind?</a> 8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/7-24.htm">Luke 7:24</a> After John’s messengers had left, 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? <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Malachi 3:1</a> “Behold, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me. Then the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple—the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight—see, He is coming,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a> A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. <a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3</a> In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea / and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” / This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/mark/1-2.htm">Mark 1:2-3</a> As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.” / “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” <a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-23</a> And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” ... <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/mark/1-4.htm">Mark 1:4-6</a> John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. / John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. <a href="/luke/3-2.htm">Luke 3:2-6</a> during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. / He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, / as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him. ... <a href="/john/1-6.htm">John 1:6-8</a> There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. / He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe. / He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. <a href="/john/5-33.htm">John 5:33-35</a> You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. / Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved. / John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light. <a href="/matthew/17-10.htm">Matthew 17:10-13</a> The disciples asked Him, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / Jesus replied, “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things. / But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the Son of Man will suffer at their hands.” ... <a href="/mark/9-11.htm">Mark 9:11-13</a> And they asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” / He replied, “Elijah does indeed come first, and he restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected? / But I tell you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, just as it is written about him.” <a href="/luke/1-76.htm">Luke 1:76-77</a> And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for Him, / to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1-4</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John, What went you out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?Jesus.<a href="/luke/7-24.htm">Luke 7:24-30</a> 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? … What.<a href="/matthew/3-1.htm">Matthew 3:1-3,5</a> In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, … <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">Matthew 21:25</a> The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?<a href="/mark/1-3.htm">Mark 1:3-5</a> The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight… A reed.<a href="/genesis/49-4.htm">Genesis 49:4</a> 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.<a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">2 Corinthians 1:17,18</a> When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay? … <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Ephesians 4:14</a> That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">John's</a> <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/matthew/4-11.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/matthew/10-31.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/matthew/5-2.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/hosea/13-15.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/haggai/2-7.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/matthew/10-27.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/hosea/8-7.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/matthew/9-33.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/amos/2-9.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/hosea/10-12.htm">View</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/nahum/3-19.htm">Waving</a> <a href="/matthew/10-42.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/4-1.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/matthew/8-27.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-15.htm">Crowds</a> <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/matthew/14-13.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/11-11.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/14-10.htm">John's</a> <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/matthew/13-39.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/matthew/13-53.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/matthew/13-2.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/matthew/12-15.htm">Multitudes</a> <a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Proceeded</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Reed</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Shaken</a> <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/matthew/12-20.htm">Stem</a> <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/mark/4-27.htm">Tall</a> <a href="/matthew/19-8.htm">View</a> <a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/exodus/29-26.htm">Waving</a> <a href="/matthew/11-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/15-33.htm">Wilderness</a> <a href="/matthew/14-24.htm">Wind</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 11</div>1. <a href="/matthew/11-1.htm">John sends his disciples to Jesus.</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">Jesus' testimony concerning John.</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son.</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum;</a> 25. <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple,</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">he calls to him those who are weary and burdened.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This context is crucial as it shows the direct connection between John and Jesus, highlighting John's role as the forerunner to the Messiah. The departure of the disciples signifies the end of their mission and the beginning of Jesus' teaching to the crowd about John.Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John Here, Jesus takes the opportunity to address the crowd regarding John the Baptist's significance. This public affirmation of John underscores his prophetic role and the importance of his ministry. It also serves to clarify any misconceptions about John’s identity and mission, reinforcing his position as the one who prepares the way for the Lord, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>.What did you go out into the wilderness to see? The wilderness is a significant location in biblical history, often associated with spiritual encounters and divine revelation. By asking this question, Jesus challenges the crowd to reflect on their motivations and expectations when they went to see John. The wilderness setting also connects to the Israelites' journey and their encounters with God, emphasizing the prophetic nature of John's ministry.A reed swaying in the wind? This metaphor suggests instability and lack of conviction, characteristics not associated with John the Baptist. By posing this rhetorical question, Jesus highlights John's steadfastness and unwavering commitment to his prophetic calling. The imagery of a reed may also allude to the political and social pressures of the time, contrasting John's firm stance with the vacillating nature of public opinion and leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is speaking to the crowds about John the Baptist. 2. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus, known for his ascetic lifestyle and his role in baptizing Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowds.htm">The Crowds</a> The people who followed Jesus and John, seeking spiritual truth and guidance. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a> The region where John the Baptist preached and baptized, symbolizing a place of spiritual preparation and encounter with God. 5. <a href="/topical/r/reed_swaying_in_the_wind.htm">Reed Swaying in the Wind</a> A metaphor used by Jesus to describe something that is easily swayed or unstable, contrasting with John's steadfastness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/steadfastness_in_faith.htm">Steadfastness in Faith</a> Just as John was not a "reed swaying in the wind," believers are called to be firm in their faith, not easily swayed by external pressures or opinions. <a href="/topical/s/seeking_true_spiritual_leaders.htm">Seeking True Spiritual Leaders</a> The crowds went to the wilderness to see John because he was a true prophet. We should seek spiritual leaders who are grounded in truth and integrity. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_prophetic_fulfillment.htm">Understanding Prophetic Fulfillment</a> Recognizing John as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy helps us see the continuity and reliability of God's Word. <a href="/topical/e/evaluating_our_expectations.htm">Evaluating Our Expectations</a> Jesus challenges the crowd's expectations of John. We should examine our own expectations of spiritual experiences and leaders, ensuring they align with biblical truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_wilderness.htm">The Role of the Wilderness</a> The wilderness is a place of preparation and encounter with God. We should embrace times of spiritual solitude and reflection as opportunities for growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 11</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_events_in_matthew.htm">What are the key teachings and events in Matthew?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_john_called_greatest_yet_least.htm">In Matthew 11:11, how can Jesus call John the greatest born of women yet say the least in the kingdom is greater than John? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_live_for_christ's_return.htm">How should we live in anticipation of Christ's return?</a> <a href="/q/was_john_the_baptist_elijah.htm">Was John the Baptist Elijah who was to come? Yes (Matthew II: 14, 17:10-13) No (John 1:19-21)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) As they departed.--There was an obvious risk that those who heard the question of the Baptist, and our Lord's answer, might be led to think with undue harshness, perhaps even with contempt, of one who had so far failed in steadfastness. As if to meet that risk, Jesus turns, before the messengers were out of hearing, to bear His testimony to the work and character of John. But a little while before, almost as his last public utterance, the forerunner had borne his witness to the King (<a href="/context/john/3-23.htm" title="And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.">John 3:23-36</a>), and now He, in His turn, recognises to the full all the greatness of the work which that forerunner had accomplished.What went ye out . . .?--The tense points to the time when the first proclamation of the Baptist, as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, drew out crowds to listen to him. Jesus, by His question, bids them recall the impression which had then been made upon them. Had they gone out to see "a reed shaken by the wind?" The imagery was, of course, drawn from the rushes that grew upon the banks of the Jordan, but the use of the singular shows that it was meant to be understood symbolically. Had they gone out to see one who was swayed this way and that by every blast of popular feeling? No, not that; something quite other than that was what they had then beheld.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 7-15. - Jesus recognition of the greatness of John as herald. Vers. 7-11: parallel passage: <a href="/luke/7-24.htm">Luke 7:24-28</a>. Verse 7. - And as they departed; and as these went their way (Revised Version). Fulfilling his command (ver. 4). It' we may combine the language of St. Matthew and St. Luke ("when the messengers of John were departed"), we may say that they had left the circle immediately round our Lord, but were hardly further than the outskirts of the crowd. What went ye out into the wilderness to see? to behold (Revised Version); θεάσασθαι (cf. θέατρον,). It almost suggests that they went out as though to see a spectacle. They were stirred by no deeper motive. Bengel compares <a href="/john/5-35.htm">John 5:35</a>. A reed shaken with the wind? If the reed referred to by our Lord was the papyrus, which still grows freely in certain parts of the Jordan valley, the description of this plant in 'Rob Roy on the Jordan,' ch. 17, is specially interesting: "There is first a lateral trunk, lying on the water and half-submerged. This is sometimes as thick as a man's body, and from its lower side hang innumerable string-like roots from three to five feet long, and of a deep purple colour .... These pendent roots... retard much of the surface-current where the papyrus grows On the upper surface of the trunks the stems grow alternately in oblique rows;, their thickness at the junction is often four inches, and their height fifteen feet, gracefully tapering until at the top is a little round knob, with long, thin brown, wire-like hairs eighteen inches long, which rise and then, recurving, hang about it in a thyrsus-shaped head." He also says, "The whole jungle of papyrus was floating upon the water, and so the waves raised by the breeze were rocking the green curtain to and fro." This explained "a most curious hissing, grinding, bustling sound, that was heard like waves upon a shingly beach," as "the papyrus stems were rubbing against each other as they nodded out and in." It is, however, much more probable that the reed referred to was "the Arundo donax, a very tall cane, growing twelve feet high, with a magnificent panicle of blossom at the top, and so slender and yielding that it will lie perfectly flat under a gust of wind, and immediately resume its upright position." It grows especially on the western side of the Dead Sea (cf. Tristram, 'Natural History of the Bible,' p. 4,37, edit. 1889). To our Lord's question no answer was needed. John had rejected the overtures of the nationalists (<a href="/john/1-19.htm">John 1:19-21</a>), and had not feared to rebuke a king (<a href="/matthew/14-4.htm">Matthew 14:4</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/11-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>As [John’s disciples] Τούτων (Toutōn) Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. were leaving, πορευομένων (poreuomenōn) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4198.htm">Strong's 4198: </a> To travel, journey, go, die. Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. began ἤρξατο (ērxato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_756.htm">Strong's 756: </a> To begin. Middle voice of archo; to commence. to speak λέγειν (legein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. to the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. crowds ὄχλοις (ochlois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3793.htm">Strong's 3793: </a> From a derivative of echo; a throng; by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. John: Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. did you go out ἐξήλθατε (exēlthate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1831.htm">Strong's 1831: </a> To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wilderness ἔρημον (erēmon) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2048.htm">Strong's 2048: </a> Lonesome, i.e. waste. to see? θεάσασθαι (theasasthai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle <a href="/greek/strongs_2300.htm">Strong's 2300: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to look closely at, i.e. perceive; by extension to visit. A reed κάλαμον (kalamon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2563.htm">Strong's 2563: </a> A reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod. Or uncertain affinity; a reed; by implication, a pen. swaying σαλευόμενον (saleuomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4531.htm">Strong's 4531: </a> From salos; to waver, i.e. Agitate, rock, topple or destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite. in ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). [the] wind? ἀνέμου (anemou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_417.htm">Strong's 417: </a> The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/11-7.htm">Matthew 11:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/11-7.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 11:7 As these went their way Jesus began (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/11-6.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 11:6"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 11:6" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/11-8.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 11:8"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 11:8" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>