Matthew Chapter 11, Verse 16
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16: τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην ομοια εστιν παιδαριοις εν αγοραις καθημενοις και προσφωνουσιν τοις εταιροις αυτων
16: But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto
children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their
fellows,
16: But whereunto shall I esteem this generation to be like? It is
like to children sitting in the market place.
But whereunto shall I liken, etc. Jesus proceeds to reprove the inconsistency and fickleness of that age of men. He says they were like children. Nothing pleased them. tie refers here to the plays or sport of children. Instrumental music, or piping, and dancing, were used in marriages and festivals, as a sign of joy. Children imitate their parents and others, and act over in play what they see done by others. Among their childish sports, therefore was probably an imitation of a wedding, or festival occasion. We have seen also, See Barnes "Mt 9:23"
that funerals were attended with mournful music, and lamentation, and howling. It is not improbable that children also, in play, imitated a mournful funeral procession. One part are represented as sullen and dissatisfied. They would not enter into the play. Nothing pleased them. The others complained of it. We have, said they, taken all pains to please you. We have piped to you, played lively tunes, and engaged in cheerful sports, but you would not join with us; and then we have played different games, and imitated the mourning at funerals, and you are equally sullen; you have not lamented; you have not joined with us. Nothing pleases you. So, said Jesus, is this generation of men. John came one way; neither eating nor drinking, abstaining as a Nazarene, and you were not pleased with him. I, the Son of man, have come in a different manner, eating and drinking; not practicing any austerity, but living like other men, and you are equally dissatisfied. Nay, you are less pleased, You calumniate him, and abuse me for not doing the very thing which displeased you in John. Nothing pleases you. You are fickle, changeable, inconstant, and abusive.
Markets. Places to sell provisions; places of concourse, where also children flocked together for play.
