John's question and witness
Matthew 11:1–19FocusRecognizing the coming one
Connection to the wholeJesus answers through His works and interprets John's place, exposing the generation's resistance to both ministries.
interpretation Matthew 11:25
KJVAt that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Read it in context
Jesus' Testimony to John, Woes to Unrepentant Cities, and Gracious Invitation
Start reading at Matthew 11:1 (Matthew 11:1 to Matthew 11:30).
This unit begins a new section of Jesus' ministry, including His response to John the Baptist's inquiry, His judgment on unrepentant cities, and His subsequent prayer of thanksgiving and invitation to the weary.
- 11:1 And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
- 11:2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,
- 11:3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?
- 11:4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see:
- 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
- 11:6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
- 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
- 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.
- 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.
- 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
- 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
- 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.
- 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
- 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
- 11:15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
- 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
- 11:17 And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.
- 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
- 11:19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
- 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
- 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
- 11:22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
- 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
- 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
- 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
- 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
- 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
- 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
- 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
- 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 11:1–11:30): John's messengers question Jesus; Jesus then addresses the crowds about John, rebukes unrepentant cities, and issues His invitation to the weary. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main event is Jesus' prayer of thanksgiving to the Father, acknowledging God's sovereign wisdom in choosing to reveal spiritual truths to the humble ('babes') rather than to those who consider themselves intellectually superior ('the wise and prudent').
- What is God revealing? God is revealing 'these things,' which refer to the truths of the kingdom of heaven, the identity of Christ, and the works He has performed, which are understood by those with childlike faith but hidden from those who rely on their own wisdom.
- What is the literary style? This passage is part of a Gospel narrative, specifically presenting a direct discourse in the form of Jesus' prayer and subsequent teaching.
When
- When was it written? The Gospel of Matthew was written approximately A.D. 50 to 70. book background
- When does the event take place? The event takes place 'At that time' during Jesus' earthly ministry, specifically after His discourse concerning John the Baptist and His pronouncement of woes upon the unrepentant cities of Galilee (c. A.D. 30). stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The event likely happened in the region of Galilee, following Jesus' ministry in 'their cities' (Matthew 11:1), specifically near the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, which He had just upbraided. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The author, Matthew, was located in Judea or Antioch when he wrote this Gospel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jesus' Testimony to John, Woes to Unrepentant Cities, and Gracious Invitation (Matthew 11:1 to Matthew 11:30). Start reading at Matthew 11:1. This unit begins a new section of Jesus' ministry, including His response to John the Baptist's inquiry, His judgment on unrepentant cities, and His subsequent prayer of thanksgiving and invitation to the weary.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This prayer of thanksgiving immediately follows Jesus' denunciation of the unrepentant cities (Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum) that rejected His mighty works and message. It provides a theological explanation for this rejection, attributing the revelation of truth to the Father's sovereign will, and sets the stage for Jesus' gracious invitation to 'Come unto me' (Matthew 11:28-30).
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus, as the Son, uniquely knows the Father and is the one through whom the Father chooses to reveal Himself and the truths of the kingdom (Matthew 11:27). His prayer demonstrates His perfect submission to the Father's will and His role as the divine revealer, highlighting that access to God's wisdom is found exclusively through Him. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage teaches that spiritual understanding and salvation are not attained through human intellect, worldly wisdom, or self-sufficiency, but through humility and a childlike faith that is receptive to God's revelation. It encourages believers to approach God with a humble spirit, acknowledging their dependence on Him to reveal truth.
Cited: Matthew 11:1, Matthew 11:20-24, Matthew 11:25, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 11:28-30, Luke 10:21, Matthew 13:11-16, Matthew 18:3-4
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- Jesus Luke 10:21-24
- I thank 1 Chr 29:13 Dan 2:23 John 11:41 2 Thess 2:13-14
- Lord Gen 14:19,22 Deut 10:14-15 2 Kgs 19:15 Isa 66:1 Dan 4:35 Acts 17:24
- because Matt 13:11-16 Isa 5:21 Isa 29:10-14,18-19 Mark 4:10-12 John 7:48-49 John 9:39-41 John 12:38-40 Rom 11:8-10
- and hast Matt 16:17 Matt 18:3-4 Matt 21:16 1 Sam 2:18 1 Sam 3:4-21 Ps 8:2 Jer 1:5-8 Mark 10:14-16
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 11
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Cities called to account
Matthew 11:20–24FocusPrivilege and repentance
Connection to the wholeWarnings to unrepentant cities show that witnessing mighty works brings responsibility, not automatic acceptance with God.
interpretation FocusComing to Jesus
Connection to the wholeThe chapter turns from resistance to revelation and invitation, joining rest with taking Jesus' yoke and learning from Him.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation Jerusalem and accountability
Matthew 19:1–25:46FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.