Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 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!
Original Language Analysis
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
G2064
ἐλήλυθεν
is come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
The Son
G5207
υἱὸς
The Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 19
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίων
eating
G2068
ἐσθίων
eating
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
6 of 19
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
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 #:
9 of 19
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 #:
10 of 19
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 #:
14 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τελωνῶν
of publicans
G5057
τελωνῶν
of publicans
Strong's:
G5057
Word #:
16 of 19
a tax-farmer, i.e., collector of public revenue
φίλος
a friend
G5384
φίλος
a friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
17 of 19
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
Cross References
Luke 15:2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.Matthew 9:11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?John 12:2There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.Luke 5:29And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.Luke 7:36And 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.Luke 19:7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.Luke 14:1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do genuine conversions and transformed lives vindicate ministry methods despite criticism?
- What is the relationship between popularity and effectiveness in ministry?
- How should ministers measure success—by human approval or spiritual fruitfulness?
Analysis & 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.