Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
11:16-19 John’s prophetic message is represented by funeral songs—he didn’t drink wine and he often fasted (11:18; see 3:4). Jesus’ message is seen in wedding songs and in feasts and drinks (see 9:9-17). In both cases, this generation responds to God’s messenger with indifference and rejection.
Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
11:16-19 John’s prophetic message is represented by funeral songs—he didn’t drink wine and he often fasted (11:18; see 3:4). Jesus’ message is seen in wedding songs and in feasts and drinks (see 9:9-17). In both cases, this generation responds to God’s messenger with indifference and rejection.
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose.
'And to what shall I liken this generation? it is like little children in market-places, sitting and calling to their comrades,
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
τινι δε ομοιωσω την γενεαν ταυτην ομοια εστιν παιδιοις εν αγοραις καθημενοις ταις προσφωνουσιν και τοις εταιροις αυτων
King James Versionⓘ
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
¶ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
“But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written using a limited vocabulary of about 1,000 words.
But what comparison may I make of this generation? It is like children seated in the market-places, crying out to one another,