Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 33
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλήλυθεν
came
G2064
ἐλήλυθεν
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαπτιστὴς
the Baptist
G910
βαπτιστὴς
the Baptist
Strong's:
G910
Word #:
5 of 15
a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
6 of 15
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
ἐσθίων
eating
G2068
ἐσθίων
eating
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
8 of 15
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
μήτε
neither
G3383
μήτε
neither
Strong's:
G3383
Word #:
9 of 15
not too, i.e., (in continued negation) neither or nor; also, not even
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγετε
ye say
G3004
λέγετε
ye say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
13 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Cross References
Luke 1:15For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.Mark 1:6And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
Historical Context
Table fellowship in ancient Mediterranean culture signified intimate association and acceptance. Pharisees avoided eating with sinners to maintain ritual purity. Jesus's regular dining with tax collectors and notorious sinners scandalized religious leaders. His presence at feasts demonstrated kingdom inclusion of unlikely candidates. The accusation of gluttony and drunkenness was slander—Jesus lived righteously while engaging culture. Early Christians faced similar tensions—separating from pagan immorality while remaining accessible for witness.
Questions for Reflection
- How can Christians engage culture and befriend sinners without compromising holiness?
- What does Jesus's example teach about balancing separation from sin with accessibility to sinners?
- How do we discern when criticism of our ministry reflects biblical faithfulness versus actual failure?
Analysis & Commentary
The contrast: '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!' Jesus's sociability—attending dinners, relating to outcasts—drew opposite criticism. Where John was too severe, Jesus was too lenient. The Greek 'phagos kai oinopotēs' (glutton and drunkard) echoes Deuteronomy 21:20's description of rebellious son deserving death. The accusation was serious, not merely social disapproval. Jesus's association with 'publicans and sinners' violated Pharisaic separation standards. Reformed theology observes that Jesus's incarnational ministry required entering sinners' world without adopting their sin. He was 'holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners' (Hebrews 7:26) yet accessible to them.