King James Version

What Does Luke 7:24 Mean?

Luke 7:24 in the King James Version says “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Luke 7:24 · KJV


Context

22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

24

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

25

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus's rhetorical questions about John defend his forerunner's character: 'What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?' The reed (Greek 'kalamon') symbolizes weakness and vacillation—swaying with every breeze of opinion. John was anything but—his uncompromising preaching offended both religious leaders and political authorities. The question 'A man clothed in soft raiment?' contrasts John's rough camel-hair garment with royal luxury. John lived ascetically, not seeking comfort or patronage. Reformed theology values prophetic boldness that speaks truth regardless of consequences. Jeremiah was called to be 'a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls' (Jeremiah 1:18). True ministers prioritize divine approval over human applause.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's imprisonment raised questions about his ministry. Some wondered if his harsh treatment indicated God's displeasure. Jesus's defense vindicated John—his suffering resulted from faithfulness, not failure. Herod imprisoned John for denouncing his unlawful marriage (Luke 3:19-20). John could have avoided persecution through silence or compromise, but prophetic calling demanded truth-telling. Early church faced similar pressures—conform to avoid persecution or maintain integrity despite cost. Church history records how compromise undermines witness while persecution purifies it. Modern application includes resisting cultural pressure to soften biblical truth to avoid offense.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John's example challenge Christians to prioritize truth over comfort or popularity?
  2. What is the difference between appropriate cultural sensitivity and sinful compromise?
  3. How should ministers balance speaking prophetically with pastoral gentleness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἀπελθόντων1 of 22

were departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τῶν3 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλων4 of 22

when the messengers

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Ἰωάννου5 of 22

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

ἤρξατο6 of 22

he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγειν7 of 22

to speak

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

πρὸς8 of 22

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄχλους10 of 22

the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

περὶ11 of 22

concerning

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

Ἰωάννου12 of 22

John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

Τί13 of 22

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἐξεληλύθατε14 of 22

went ye out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς15 of 22

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔρημον17 of 22

the wilderness

G2048

lonesome, i.e., (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, g5561 being implied)

θεάσασθαι18 of 22

for to see

G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

κάλαμον19 of 22

A reed

G2563

a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen

ὑπὸ20 of 22

with

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ἀνέμου21 of 22

the wind

G417

wind; (plural) by implication, (the four) quarters (of the earth)

σαλευόμενον22 of 22

shaken

G4531

to waver, i.e., agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively, to disturb, incite


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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