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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 11:8 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings' palaces.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/11-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/40_Mat_11_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 11:8 - Jesus Testifies about John" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? 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A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings&#8217 palaces. <a href="/nlt/matthew/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. <a href="/esv/matthew/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. <a href="/bsb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But what did you go out to see? A man having been dressed in delicate clothing? Behold, those wearing delicate clothing are in kings' houses. <a href="/kjv/matthew/11.htm">King James Bible</a> But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/11.htm">New King James Version</a> But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! <a href="/nasb/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings&#8217 palaces! <a href="/nasb77/matthew/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces. <a href="/lsb/matthew/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! <a href="/amp/matthew/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh desert]? Those who wear soft clothing are in the palaces of kings! <a href="/csb/matthew/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who wear soft clothes are in royal palaces. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear soft clothes are in kings&#8217 palaces. <a href="/asv/matthew/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. <a href="/cev/matthew/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What kind of man did you go out to see? Was he someone dressed in fine clothes? People who dress like that live in the king's palace. <a href="/erv/matthew/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> But what went ye out for to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in kings' houses. <a href="/gwt/matthew/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear fine clothes are in royal palaces. <a href="/gnt/matthew/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy clothes? People who dress like that live in palaces! <a href="/isv/matthew/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? See, those who wear fancy clothes live in kings' houses. <a href="/msb/matthew/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings? palaces. <a href="/net/matthew/11.htm">NET Bible</a> What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes are in the homes of kings! <a href="/nheb/matthew/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. <a href="/wbt/matthew/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces. <a href="/web/matthew/11.htm">World English Bible</a> But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those wearing the soft things are in the kings’ houses. <a href="/blb/matthew/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But what did you go out to see? A man having been dressed in delicate clothing? Behold, those wearing delicate clothing are in kings' houses. <a href="/ylt/matthew/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'But what went ye out to see? -- a man clothed in soft garments? lo, those wearing the soft things are in the kings' houses. <a href="/slt/matthew/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But what went ye out to see? A man clad in soft garments? but they having soft things are in king's houses.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments, are in the houses of kings. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So what did you go out to see? A man in soft garments? Behold, those who are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. <a href="/nabre/matthew/11.htm">New American Bible</a> Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If not so, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Behold those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ houses. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “Otherwise, what did you go out to see; a man who wears a long soft robe? Behold those who wear soft things are in the house of the King.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings houses. <a href="/godbey/matthew/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold those wearing soft raiment are in the houses of the kings.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in delicate garments? Lo! they who wear delicate garments are in the houses of kings. <a href="/mace/matthew/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> what did ye go to see? a man dress'd in rich apparel? why, they that are so array'd belong to the court: <a href="/wey/matthew/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces. <a href="/worrell/matthew/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>But what went ye out to see? a man in soft raiment; Behold, those wearing soft raiment are in kings' houses.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But what went ye out to see? a man clad in fine attire? they that wear rich <Fr>clothes<FR> are in the palaces of kings.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/11-8.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=2786" 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> 7As 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? 8<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">Otherwise,</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/3708.htm" title="3708: idein (V-ANA) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">to see?</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpon (N-AMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">A man</a> <a href="/greek/294.htm" title="294: ēmphiesmenon (V-RPM/P-AMS) -- To put on, clothe. From the base of amphoteros and hennumi; to enrobe.">dressed</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3120.htm" title="3120: malakois (Adj-DNP) -- (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite.">fine clothes?</a> <a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Look,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5409.htm" title="5409: phorountes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To carry, wear, bear constantly. From phoros; to have a burden, i.e. to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment.">who wear</a> <a href="/greek/3120.htm" title="3120: malaka (Adj-ANP) -- (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite.">fine clothing</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eisin (V-PIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">are found</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</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."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/935.htm" title="935: basileōn (N-GMP) -- A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.">kings’</a> <a href="/greek/3624.htm" title="3624: oikois (N-DMP) -- A dwelling; by implication, a family.">palaces.</a> 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.…<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/7-25.htm">Luke 7:25</a> Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. <a href="/1_kings/10-4.htm">1 Kings 10:4-5</a> When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. <a href="/2_chronicles/9-3.htm">2 Chronicles 9:3-4</a> When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. <a href="/isaiah/3-18.htm">Isaiah 3:18-23</a> In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; / their pendants, bracelets, and veils; / their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; ... <a href="/ezekiel/16-10.htm">Ezekiel 16:10-13</a> I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. / I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. / I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. ... <a href="/daniel/5-16.htm">Daniel 5:16</a> But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” <a href="/esther/1-6.htm">Esther 1:6</a> Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. <a href="/genesis/41-42.htm">Genesis 41:42</a> Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. <a href="/judges/8-26.htm">Judges 8:26</a> The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels. <a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-17</a> He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ... <a href="/1_kings/22-10.htm">1 Kings 22:10</a> Dressed in royal attire, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them. <a href="/2_kings/25-29.htm">2 Kings 25:29</a> So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life. <a href="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16</a> Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, <a href="/psalms/45-13.htm">Psalm 45:13-14</a> All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. / In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. <a href="/proverbs/31-22.htm">Proverbs 31:22</a> She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.A man.<a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a> 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.<a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">2 Kings 1:8</a> And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.<a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2</a> At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/6-31.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/micah/1-16.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-5.htm">Delicately</a> <a href="/matthew/6-29.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-17.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/matthew/10-39.htm">Found</a> <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/matthew/10-27.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/matthew/10-18.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-10.htm">King's</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-24.htm">Luxuriously</a> <a href="/micah/5-5.htm">Palaces</a> <a href="/matthew/6-28.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/amos/6-4.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/matthew/6-31.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/daniel/3-21.htm">Wearing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-36.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/luke/7-25.htm">Delicate</a> <a href="/luke/7-25.htm">Delicately</a> <a href="/matthew/22-11.htm">Dressed</a> <a href="/matthew/15-26.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/matthew/12-18.htm">Found</a> <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/matthew/17-25.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/matthew/22-6.htm">King's</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">Luxuriously</a> <a href="/luke/7-26.htm">Palaces</a> <a href="/matthew/17-2.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/mark/6-9.htm">Wear</a> <a href="/matthew/22-11.htm">Wearing</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Otherwise, what did you go out to see? This phrase challenges the audience to reflect on their expectations and motivations. In the context of <a href="/matthew/11.htm">Matthew 11</a>, Jesus is speaking to the crowds about John the Baptist. The rhetorical question implies that the people went out to see something significant, not just an ordinary spectacle. This reflects the human tendency to seek out spiritual truth and the fulfillment of prophecy, as John was the forerunner of the Messiah, fulfilling <a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3</a>.A man dressed in fine clothes? This phrase contrasts the ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist with the opulence associated with wealth and power. John was known for his simple clothing made of camel's hair and a leather belt (<a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Matthew 3:4</a>), symbolizing his prophetic role and dedication to God. The mention of fine clothes suggests a worldly standard of greatness, which John did not embody. This highlights the biblical theme that true greatness is not measured by external appearances but by one's faithfulness to God's calling.Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. This statement underscores the distinction between worldly and spiritual authority. Fine clothing is associated with royalty and the elite, who reside in palaces. In the historical context, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, would have been an example of someone living in luxury. By pointing this out, Jesus emphasizes that John’s authority and significance come from his divine mission, not from earthly status. This also foreshadows Jesus' own ministry, where He, like John, would not conform to worldly expectations of a king, as seen in His humble birth and life (<a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-8</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john_the_baptist.htm">John the Baptist</a> A prophet and forerunner of Jesus Christ, known for his ascetic lifestyle and powerful preaching of repentance. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker in this passage, addressing the crowd about their expectations and perceptions of John the Baptist. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_crowd.htm">The Crowd</a> The people who went out to the wilderness to see John the Baptist, curious about his message and identity. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kings'_palaces.htm">Kings’ Palaces</a> Symbolic of wealth, power, and worldly status, contrasting with John’s humble and austere lifestyle. 5. <a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a> The setting where John the Baptist preached, representing a place of spiritual preparation and encounter with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/value_of_humility_and_simplicity.htm">Value of Humility and Simplicity</a> John the Baptist’s lifestyle challenges us to prioritize spiritual richness over material wealth and status. <a href="/topical/e/expectations_vs._reality.htm">Expectations vs. Reality</a> Jesus prompts us to examine our expectations of spiritual leaders and the Kingdom of God, urging us to seek truth over spectacle. <a href="/topical/t/true_greatness.htm">True Greatness</a> True greatness in God’s Kingdom is not measured by external appearances but by faithfulness and obedience to God’s call. <a href="/topical/c/contrast_with_worldly_values.htm">Contrast with Worldly Values</a> The passage invites believers to reflect on how worldly values can distort our understanding of God’s work and His messengers. <a href="/topical/f/focus_on_inner_transformation.htm">Focus on Inner Transformation</a> Encourages believers to focus on inner transformation and character development, aligning with God’s perspective.<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/what_does_'overcome_by_the_blood'_mean.htm">What were the teachings of Jesus?</a> <a href="/q/which_fabrics_are_in_the_bible.htm">What fabrics are mentioned in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_rev_19_14's_army.htm">Revelation 19:14 describes an army in white linen on heavenly horses--what evidence supports a real historical or spiritual event like this?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_75_8_align_with_god's_love.htm">Psalm 75:8 depicts God forcing the wicked to drink a cup of wrath; how does this harmonize with notions of a loving and merciful God in the New Testament?</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>(8) A man clothed in soft raiment?-Had they seen, then, one who shared in the luxury, and courted the favour of princes? No, not so, again. They that wear soft clothing, or, as in St. Luke's report, "they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately," are in kings' houses. The words had a more pointed reference than at first sight appears. Jewish historians (Jost, Gesch. Jud. I. 259.) record how in the early days of Herod the Great a section of the scribes had attached themselves to his policy and party, and in doing so had laid aside the sombre garments of their order, and had appeared in the gorgeous raiment worn by Herod's other courtiers. The Herodians of the Gospel history were obviously the successors of these men in policy, and probably also in habits and demeanour; and the reference to "kings' houses" admits of no other application than to the palace of Antipas. We may trace, with very little hesitation, a vindictive retaliation for these very words in the "gorgeous robe" with which Herod arrayed Him in mockery when the Tetrarch and the Christ stood for one brief hour face to face with each other (<a href="/luke/23-11.htm" title="And Herod with his men of war set him at nothing, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.">Luke 23:11</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Menahem the Essene was by the wish of Herod the Great made deputy to Hillel in the Sanhedrin, but afterwards left his office. "Whither did he go out? Abai said. He went out to destruction. Rabba said, He went out for the service of the king. There is also a Baraitha [i.e. an 'uncanonical' Mishna] to this effect, that Menahem went out for the service of the king, and there went out with him eighty pairs of disciples clothed in Syrian robes" (Talm. Bab., 'Chagigah,' 16b, edit. Streane). It has been conjectured, though hardly on sufficient evidence, that our Lord was thinking of this case; but the Talmudic passage at least illustrates the gorgeousness of the apparel of the courtiers, and suggests the luxury of living that St. Luke speaks of ("They which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts"). It is, however, only fair to Menahem to say that Gratz ('Geschichte der Judaer,' 3. p. 230, edit. 1877) is able to suppose that he merely went back again to his solitude. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/11-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>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. then ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. 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. to see? ἰδεῖν (idein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. A man ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. dressed ἠμφιεσμένον (ēmphiesmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_294.htm">Strong's 294: </a> To put on, clothe. From the base of amphoteros and hennumi; to enrobe. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. fine [clothes]? μαλακοῖς (malakois) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3120.htm">Strong's 3120: </a> (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite. Look, ἰδοὺ (idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! those οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative 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. who wear φοροῦντες (phorountes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5409.htm">Strong's 5409: </a> To carry, wear, bear constantly. From phoros; to have a burden, i.e. to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment. fine [clothing] μαλακὰ (malaka) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3120.htm">Strong's 3120: </a> (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite. are found εἰσίν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. kings’ βασιλέων (basileōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign. palaces. οἴκοις (oikois) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3624.htm">Strong's 3624: </a> A dwelling; by implication, a family. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/11-8.htm">Matthew 11:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/11-8.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 11:8 But what did you go out (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/11-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 11:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 11:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/11-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 11:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 11:9" /></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>