Bible Strands
Matthew 21:16
“Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The chief priests and scribes ask Jesus if He hears the children shouting in the temple courts. Jesus confirms He hears them and responds by quoting Scripture to address their indignation.
The words — ἀκούεις (akoueis) means "do you hear," and λέγουσιν (legousin) translates to "they are saying." These Greek terms frame the religious leaders' direct challenge regarding the children's shouts.
The thread — Jesus anchors His response in Psalm 8:2 to validate the children's praise. He also echoes the theme of divine revelation to the young in Matthew 11:25 and parallels the religious leaders' similar complaint in Luke 19:39.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that God ordains praise through the vulnerable to silence opposition. It requires readers to accept divine authority over religious expectations without adding sentimental commentary.
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
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Cross-references
- Psalms 8:2 From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise on account of Your adversaries, to silence the enemy and avenger.
- Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
- Luke 19:39 But some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples!”
- Matthew 12:3 Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?
- Matthew 19:4 Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’
- Mark 2:25 Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need?
- Matthew 22:31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you:
- John 11:47 Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs.
- Acts 4:16 “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it.