King James Version

What Does Luke 7:34 Mean?

Luke 7:34 in the King James Version says “The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans... — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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!

Luke 7:34 · KJV


Context

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!

35

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

36

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes: 'But wisdom is justified of all her children' (Greek 'edikaiosthe hē sophia apo pantōn tōn teknōn autēs'). True wisdom proves itself through its results ('children'). John's and Jesus's ministries, though different in method, produced genuine converts who vindicated divine wisdom. The verb 'justified' (edikaiōthē) means declared righteous, vindicated. Results authenticate method. Those who responded to either John or Jesus demonstrated wisdom's validation. Reformed theology recognizes that effective ministry manifests in transformed lives, not mere approval ratings. Paul wrote 'our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance' (1 Thessalonians 1:5). True fruitfulness vindicates God's methods.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase echoes Proverbs personification of Wisdom calling to humanity. Wisdom's 'children' are those who respond to her call. Despite critics' complaints, both John and Jesus produced genuine disciples—repentant sinners, transformed lives, Spirit-filled believers. These results vindicated their ministries regardless of elite rejection. Early church similarly found validation not in Roman approval but in transformed pagans, martyrs' courage, and community love. Church growth under persecution demonstrated divine wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do genuine conversions and transformed lives vindicate ministry methods despite criticism?
  2. What is the relationship between popularity and effectiveness in ministry?
  3. How should ministers measure success—by human approval or spiritual fruitfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ἐλήλυθεν1 of 19

is come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

2 of 19
G3588

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

υἱὸς3 of 19

The Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ4 of 19
G3588

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

ἄνθρωπος5 of 19

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἐσθίων6 of 19

eating

G2068

used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)

καὶ7 of 19

and

G2532

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

πίνων8 of 19

drinking

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ9 of 19

and

G2532

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

λέγετε10 of 19

ye say

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

Ἰδού,11 of 19

Behold

G2400

used as imperative lo!

ἄνθρωπος12 of 19

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

φάγος13 of 19

a gluttonous

G5314

a glutton

καὶ14 of 19

and

G2532

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

οἰνοπότης15 of 19

a winebibber

G3630

a tippler

τελωνῶν16 of 19

of publicans

G5057

a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue

φίλος17 of 19

a friend

G5384

actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)

καὶ18 of 19

and

G2532

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

ἁμαρτωλῶν19 of 19

sinners

G268

sinful, i.e., a sinner


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 7:34 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 7:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study