King James Version

What Does Matthew 11:7 Mean?

Matthew 11:7 in the King James Version says “And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to se...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Matthew 11:7 · KJV

Context

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.

6

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

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?

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.

9

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

Read Matthew 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As John's disciples departed, Jesus began praising John to the crowds: 'What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?' The rhetorical question expects a negative answer. A 'reed shaken with the wind' symbolizes a vacillating, unstable person who bends to popular opinion and changing circumstances. Jesus emphatically denies this describes John. Despite his momentary question from prison, John was not a compromiser who adjusted his message to please audiences. He had courageously confronted Herod, confronted Pharisees as a 'generation of vipers' (Matthew 3:7), and proclaimed hard truths regardless of cost. The wilderness setting is significant—people traveled to the Jordan Valley's austere environment specifically to hear John's uncompromising message. They didn't seek entertainment or comfortable teaching but prophetic truth. Reformed theology values this prophetic boldness: faithful ministers speak God's Word without trimming it to cultural preferences.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'wilderness' refers to the Judean wilderness near the Jordan River where John conducted his ministry (Matthew 3:1-6). This harsh, desolate region became the site of massive popular movement as 'Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan' went out to hear John (Matthew 3:5). Reeds grew abundantly along the Jordan's banks, swaying with every breeze—a perfect metaphor for instability. In contrast, John wore camel's hair and leather belt (Matthew 3:4), deliberately evoking Elijah (2 Kings 1:8), and his message was uncompromising: 'Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 3:2). He confronted religious hypocrisy, demanded genuine repentance, and refused to curry favor with authorities—leading to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom (Matthew 14:1-12). Jesus's public defense of John countered any who might have questioned John's faith due to his inquiry.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern cultural 'winds' tempt Christians to compromise or soften biblical truth, and how do we resist becoming 'reeds shaken'?
  2. How does John's combination of bold public ministry and private struggle encourage believers who experience doubt while maintaining faithful witness?
  3. What distinguishes legitimate flexibility in communication style from the instability of compromising message content?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Τούτων1 of 21

“as”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

δὲ2 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

πορευομένων3 of 21

“they departed”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἤρξατο4 of 21

“began”

G756

to commence (in order of time)

ὁ5 of 21
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς6 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

λέγειν7 of 21

“to 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

τοῖς8 of 21
G3588

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

ὄχλοις9 of 21

“unto the multitudes”

G3793

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

περὶ10 of 21

“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

Ἰωάννου11 of 21

“John”

G2491

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

Τί12 of 21

“What”

G5101

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

ἐξήλθετε13 of 21

“went ye”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς14 of 21

“out into”

G1519

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

τὴν15 of 21
G3588

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

ἔρημον16 of 21

“the wilderness”

G2048

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

θεάσασθαι17 of 21

“to see”

G2300

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

κάλαμον18 of 21

“A reed”

G2563

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

ὑπὸ19 of 21

“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 (

ἀνέμου20 of 21

“the wind”

G417

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

σαλευόμενον21 of 21

“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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:6John 5:35Luke 7:24-30Ephesians 4:14Luke 8:18Genesis 49:4

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