What does Matthew 11:17 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 11:17 is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is denouncing the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.

The verse specifically is an analogy that compares the reactions of his generation to children in a marketplace playing games.

In ancient times, children imitated adult activities as play, including wedding ceremonies (where they would pipe and expect dancing) and funerals (where they would mourn and expect lamentation).

Jesus is essentially criticizing the people for being unresponsive to God's message, regardless of the approach taken, whether it was the message of joy and celebration (as with John the Baptist's call to repentance) or that of sadness and lament (as exemplified by Jesus' own ministry at times).

Historical Context

Matthew 11:17 was written in a context where Jesus was critiquing the Jewish people, particularly those in cities like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, who had witnessed his miracles and teachings but remained unrepentant and unbelieving.

This verse echoes the cultural practices of the time, where public expressions of joy and sorrow were common, and people would typically join in these expressions as part of community life.

The reference to children playing wedding and funeral games in the marketplace would have been understood by his audience, who would be familiar with these social customs.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Matthew 11:17 highlights the sovereignty and wisdom of God in the face of human stubbornness. It exhibits the idea that God's kingdom is not subject to human whims but requires a response from the heart.

Some theologians interpret this verse as an indication of the hardness of the human heart, which resists the gospel whether it is presented through the austere life of John the Baptist or the compassionate works of Jesus.

Others see this as an illustration of the paradox of divine judgement, God is present and offering a relationship, but individuals have the freedom to accept or reject that offer.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be practically applied to modern life by challenging individuals to be receptive to the different ways in which God communicates with people: through joy, sorrow, hardship, or prosperity.

For modern Christians, it serves as a reminder not to become complacent or indifferent to spiritual messages, and to be actively responsive to the words and works that represent God's call to them.

It also warns against setting preconditions on how one will respond to divinely sent prophets or messages, as it is not the style but the substance of the message that matters.

Cross-References

• Luke 7:32 - "They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept."
• Matthew 13:13-15 - "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."
• Matthew 23:37 - "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee..."
• John 1:11 - "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text are:

• "piped" (ἐύλησαμεν): a form of "auleō," meaning to play the flute or pipe, which was typically associated with joyful occasions, such as weddings.
• "danced" (ὀρχήσασθε): a form of "orcheomai," which refers to dancing, often in response to music.
• "mourned" (ἐκόψασθε): a form of "koptō," meaning to cut or strike, indicative of traditional mourning practices, such as beating the chest.
• "lamented" (ἐθρηνήσατε): a form of "threnéō," referring to expressing sorrow or lamentation, which would be typical at funerals.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other cultures and religious traditions, there are also illustrations and parables intended to highlight human stubbornness or failure to respond properly to divine messages.

For example, in Greek mythology, Cassandra was granted the gift of prophecy but cursed that no one would believe her predictions, illustrating the theme of disregarded messages.

Similarly, in Hinduism, stories within the Bhagavad Gita touch upon the theme of human resistance to divine will and instruction.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific correlation to Matthew 11:17, the field of psychology may provide insight into the human disposition towards resistance or selective responsiveness.

The concept of cognitive dissonance might help explain why people reject messages that challenge their beliefs or expectations, which can be related to the reaction of the people to whom Jesus was speaking.

Commentaries

Commentators have approached Matthew 11:17 from various perspectives.

William Barclay, a noted Bible scholar, used this verse to comment on the fickle nature of humanity, while John Calvin focused on the idea of people's rejection of God's word regardless of how it is presented.

Craig S.

Keener, in his Bible commentary, emphasizes the cultural relevance of the analogy and the obstinacy of the audience.

Most commentaries agree that the verse serves to highlight a generation's failure to respond to God's outreach, as symbolized by the messages of John and Jesus.