Bible Strands
Matthew 11:16
To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the current generation immediately after commanding listeners to hear, introducing a comparison before detailing the marketplace analogy.
The words — ὁμοιώσω (homoiōsō) means "will I compare," and γενεὰν (genean) denotes "generation," framing the rhetorical question around a specific era's response.
The thread — This inquiry pattern appears in Luke 7:31 for a parallel question, Lamentations 2:13 for unmatched consolation, and Matthew 12:34 regarding speech originating from the heart.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge the generation’s failure to respond to divine action, using the image of children issuing demands that go unanswered to illustrate stubborn indifference.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
Cross-references
- Luke 7:31 “To what, then, can I compare the men of this generation? What are they like?
- Lamentations 2:13 What can I say for you? To what can I compare you, O Daughter of Jerusalem? To what can I liken you, that I may console you, O Virgin Daughter of Zion? For your wound is as deep as the sea. Who can ever heal you?
- Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
- Matthew 23:36 Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.
- Mark 4:30 Then He asked, “To what can we compare the kingdom of God? With what parable shall we present it?
- Luke 13:18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it?
- Matthew 24:34 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.