Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 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.
Original Language Analysis
παιδίοις
unto children
G3813
παιδίοις
unto children
Strong's:
G3813
Word #:
3 of 22
a childling (of either sex), i.e., (properly), an infant, or (by extension) a half-grown boy or girl; figuratively, an immature christian
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγορᾷ
the marketplace
G58
ἀγορᾷ
the marketplace
Strong's:
G58
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, the town-square (as a place of public resort); by implication, a market or thoroughfare
καθημένοις
sitting
G2521
καθημένοις
sitting
Strong's:
G2521
Word #:
7 of 22
and ???? (to sit; akin to the base of g1476); to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσφωνοῦσιν
calling
G4377
προσφωνοῦσιν
calling
Strong's:
G4377
Word #:
9 of 22
to sound towards, i.e., address, exclaim, summon
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγουσιν,
saying
G3004
λέγουσιν,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does holy living often provoke criticism or accusations of extremism?
- How should Christians respond when godly convictions are mischaracterized as mental illness or fanaticism?
- What is the difference between biblical separation from world and unhealthy isolationism?
Analysis & 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.