King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:18 Mean?

Matthew 11:18 in the King James Version says “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.”

Matthew 11:18 · KJV

Context

16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

17

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

18

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

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.

20

Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.' Jesus exposes the religious leaders' inconsistency and bad faith. John the Baptist practiced extreme asceticism—eating locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4), possibly fasting frequently, certainly avoiding normal social meals. His austere lifestyle matched his prophetic message of judgment and repentance. Yet instead of recognizing this as prophetic devotion, critics accused him of demon possession (ἔχει/echei, literally 'he has a demon'). The charge was absurd but reveals a pattern: those determined to reject God's messengers will find excuse, no matter how the messenger behaves. Reformed theology recognizes this as manifestation of total depravity—the unregenerate heart is at enmity with God (Romans 8:7), finding fault with His servants regardless of their conduct. The criticism also reflects the religious establishment's discomfort: John threatened their control, so they attacked his character rather than addressing his message.

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Historical & Cultural Context

John's ascetic lifestyle was deliberately prophetic, recalling Elijah and wilderness prophets. In a culture where shared meals signified fellowship and social bonds, John's refusal to participate marked him as outsider—which was precisely his calling: voice crying in the wilderness, not court chaplain. The accusation of demon possession was standard dismissal of threatening prophets: Jesus faced the same charge (Matthew 12:24, John 8:48-52). Demonic accusation served to dismiss the messenger without addressing the message. In Jesus's time, various Jewish groups practiced different levels of asceticism: Essenes (including Qumran community) lived communally with strict discipline; Pharisees fasted twice weekly; ordinary Jews maintained normal social life. John's extreme asceticism exceeded even Essene practice, signaling prophetic urgency. Modern parallels exist: committed Christians are dismissed as 'crazy,' 'extreme,' or 'mentally unstable' to avoid confronting their message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when your Christian commitment is dismissed as extremism or irrationality rather than addressed on its merits?
  2. What does this verse teach about the futility of trying to please critics who are determined to reject the gospel?
  3. In what ways do you see religious people today finding fault with God's messengers regardless of their conduct?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἦλθεν1 of 11

“came”

G2064

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

γὰρ2 of 11

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ἰωάννης3 of 11

“John”

G2491

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

μήτε4 of 11

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

ἐσθίων5 of 11

“eating”

G2068

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

μήτε6 of 11

“neither”

G3383

not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even

πίνων7 of 11

“drinking”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

καὶ8 of 11

“and”

G2532

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

λέγουσιν9 of 11

“they 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

Δαιμόνιον10 of 11

“a devil”

G1140

a daemonic being; by extension a deity

ἔχει11 of 11

“He hath”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:18 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 Matthew 11:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 1:15Matthew 3:4John 10:20Matthew 10:25John 8:48Jeremiah 15:17

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