King James Version

What Does Luke 7:32 Mean?

Luke 7:32 in the King James Version says “They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, ...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Luke 7:32 · KJV

Context

30

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. rejected: or, frustrated against: or, within themselves

31

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

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.

33

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

34

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The application begins: 'For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil' (Greek 'daimonion echei'). John's ascetic lifestyle—fasting, wilderness dwelling—was criticized as demonic or mentally unbalanced. The phrase 'hath a devil' suggests possession or madness. People found fault with his severity, suggesting something wrong rather than admirable. Reformed theology recognizes that holy living often provokes hostility from carnal minds. Romans 8:7 states 'the carnal mind is enmity against God.' John's lifestyle rebuked self-indulgence, creating discomfort that manifested as criticism.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John lived in Judean wilderness, wore camel hair, ate locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). His austere lifestyle marked prophetic calling. Yet instead of respect, he faced accusations of demonic influence. This pattern continues—godly people accused of extremism, mental illness, or worse. Early church martyrs faced charges of cannibalism (misunderstanding communion), sexual immorality (greeting with 'holy kiss'), political sedition (confessing Christ as Lord). Faithful witness often provokes false accusations.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does holy living often provoke criticism or accusations of extremism?
  2. How should Christians respond when godly convictions are mischaracterized as mental illness or fanaticism?
  3. What is the difference between biblical separation from world and unhealthy isolationism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ὅμοιοί1 of 22

“like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

εἰσιν2 of 22

“They are”

G1526

they are

παιδίοις3 of 22

“unto children”

G3813

a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian

τοῖς4 of 22
G3588

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

ἐν5 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἀγορᾷ6 of 22

“the marketplace”

G58

properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare

καθημένοις7 of 22

“sitting”

G2521

and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside

καὶ8 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσφωνοῦσιν9 of 22

“calling”

G4377

to sound towards, i.e., address, exclaim, summon

ἀλλήλοις10 of 22

“one to another”

G240

one another

καὶ11 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγουσιν,12 of 22

“saying”

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

Ηὐλήσαμεν13 of 22

“We have piped”

G832

to play the flute

ὑμῖν,14 of 22

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ15 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ16 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὠρχήσασθε17 of 22

“danced”

G3738

to dance (from the ranklike or regular motion)

ἐθρηνήσαμεν18 of 22

“we have mourned”

G2354

to bewail

ὑμῖν,19 of 22

“to you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καὶ20 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ21 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκλαύσατε22 of 22

“wept”

G2799

to sob, i.e., wail aloud (whereas 1145 is rather to cry silently)

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 7:32 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 7:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 11:16-19Jeremiah 5:3-5Proverbs 17:16Isaiah 28:9-13Zechariah 8:5Isaiah 29:11-12

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