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 saying, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance, we lamented to you, and ye did not smite the breast.
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.
και λεγουσιν ηυλησαμεν υμιν και ουκ ωρχησασθε εθρηνησαμεν υμιν και ουκ εκοψασθε
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.
And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
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.
and say, We piped unto you, and ye did not dance; we wailed, and ye did not mourn.
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.
and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned for you, and you didn’t lament.’
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.
We made music for you and you did not take part in the dance; we gave cries of sorrow and you made no signs of grief.