Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. New Living Translation Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. English Standard Version What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. Berean Standard Bible Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. Berean Literal Bible But what did you⁺ go out to see? A man arrayed in soft garments? Behold, those in splendid clothing and living in luxury are in the palaces. King James Bible But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. New King James Version But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. New American Standard Bible But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! NASB 1995 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! NASB 1977 “But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces. Legacy Standard Bible But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft garments? Behold, those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! Amplified Bible But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh wilderness]? Those who wear splendid clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces! Berean Annotated Bible Otherwise, what did you⁺ go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look (Behold), those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. Christian Standard Bible What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. Holman Christian Standard Bible What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. American Standard Version But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. Contemporary English Version What kind of man did you really go out to see? Was he someone dressed in fine clothes? People who wear expensive clothes and live in luxury are in the king's palace. English Revised Version But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. GOD'S WORD® Translation Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear splendid clothes and live in luxury are in royal palaces. Good News Translation What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy clothes? People who dress like that and live in luxury are found in palaces! International Standard Version Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look! Those who wear fine clothes and live in luxury are in royal palaces. NET Bible What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are in kings' courts! New Heart English Bible But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Look, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. Webster's Bible Translation But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they who are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. Weymouth New Testament But what did you go out to see? A man wearing luxurious clothes? People who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are found in palaces. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOtherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. World English Bible But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed and live delicately are in kings’ courts. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBut what have you gone forth to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, they in splendid clothing, and living in luxury, are in the houses of kings! Berean Literal Bible But what did you⁺ go out to see? A man arrayed in soft garments? Behold, those in splendid clothing and living in luxury are in the palaces. Young's Literal Translation but what have ye gone forth to see? a man in soft garments clothed? lo, they in splendid apparellings, and living in luxury, are in the houses of kings! Smith's Literal Translation But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those in glorious clothing, and being in luxury, are in royal abodes. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are in costly apparel and live delicately, are in the houses of kings. Catholic Public Domain Version Then what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who are in costly apparel and finery are in the houses of kings. New American Bible Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. New Revised Standard Version What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who put on fine clothing and live in luxury are in royal palaces. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf not so, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Behold, those who wear fine clothes and live delicately are in kings’ houses. Aramaic Bible in Plain English “But what did you go out to see? A man who is clothed in soft garments? Behold, those who are in glorious clothing and in luxury are in a King's house.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBut what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear splendid apparel, and live in luxury, are in kings houses. Godbey New Testament Haweis New Testament But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in delicate garments? Behold, they who indulge in soft raiment, and delicate food, are in king’s palaces. Mace New Testament or did you go to see a man richly apparelled? for magnificent dress and splendid living, you must look into the courts of princes. Weymouth New Testament But what did you go out to see? A man wearing luxurious clothes? People who are gorgeously dressed and live in luxury are found in palaces. Worrell New Testament Worsley New Testament Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Jesus Testifies about John24After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 25Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.… Cross References Otherwise, what did you go out to see? Matthew 11:9-10 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. / This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.’ Mark 1:4-5 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. / People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John 1:19-23 And this was John’s testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” / He did not refuse to confess, but openly declared, “I am not the Christ.” / “Then who are you?” they inquired. “Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” … A man dressed in fine clothes? Luke 16:19 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. 2 Samuel 13:18 So Amnon’s attendant threw her out and bolted the door behind her. Now Tamar was wearing a robe of many colors, because this is what the king’s virgin daughters wore. Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury James 5:5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. Revelation 18:16-19 saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! / For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance / and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. … Amos 6:4-6 You lie on beds inlaid with ivory, and lounge upon your couches. You dine on lambs from the flock and calves from the stall. / You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments. / You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph. are found in palaces. Matthew 11:8 Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. Psalm 45:13-15 All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. / In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. / They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king. Esther 1:5-7 At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest. / Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones. / Beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty. Matthew 3:4 John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 1 Kings 10:2 She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. 1 Kings 10:5 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. 2 Chronicles 9:4 the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, the attire of his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away. Treasury of Scripture But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. A man. 2 Kings 1:8 And they answered him, He was an hairy man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. Isaiah 59:17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke. Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. are in. 2 Samuel 19:35 I am this day fourscore years old: and can I discern between good and evil? can thy servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women? wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my lord the king? 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. Esther 1:3,11 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him: … Jump to Previous Appareled Apparelled Beautiful Clothed Clothes Clothing Courts Delicate Delicately Desert Dressed Expensive Fine Food Forth Found Garments Gorgeously Houses John John's Kings Live Messengers Multitude Proceeded Raiment Soft Splendid WearJump to Next Appareled Apparelled Beautiful Clothed Clothes Clothing Courts Delicate Delicately Desert Dressed Expensive Fine Food Forth Found Garments Gorgeously Houses John John's Kings Live Messengers Multitude Proceeded Raiment Soft Splendid WearLuke 7 1. Jesus finds a greater faith in the centurion;10. heals his servant, being absent; 11. raises from death the widow's son at Nain; 18. answers John's messengers with the declaration of his miracles; 24. testifies to the people what opinion he held of John; 31. compares this generation to the children in the marketplaces, 36. and allowing his feet to be washed and anointed by a woman who was a sinner, 44. he shows how he is a friend to sinners, to forgive them their sins, upon their repentance. Otherwise, what did you go out to see? This rhetorical question posed by Jesus challenges the crowd's expectations and perceptions of John the Baptist. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of John's mission. In biblical context, this question highlights the contrast between worldly expectations and spiritual realities. Jesus is urging the listeners to reflect on their motives and the significance of John's prophetic role, which was not about outward appearances but about preparing the way for the Messiah. A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, addressing the crowd about John the Baptist. 2. John the Baptist The subject of Jesus' discourse, known for his ascetic lifestyle and prophetic ministry. 3. Crowd The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, who had gone out to see John the Baptist. 4. Palaces Symbolic of luxury and wealth, contrasting with John the Baptist's lifestyle. 5. Wilderness The place where John the Baptist conducted his ministry, emphasizing simplicity and repentance. Teaching Points Simplicity Over LuxuryJesus highlights the value of a simple, purpose-driven life over one of luxury and indulgence. This challenges believers to evaluate their own priorities and lifestyle choices. True Greatness John the Baptist's greatness was not in his appearance or wealth but in his role as a prophet and forerunner to Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek greatness in God's eyes rather than the world's. Expectations vs. Reality The crowd's expectations of a prophet might have been skewed by worldly standards. This serves as a reminder to align our expectations with God's truth rather than societal norms. Contentment in Calling John the Baptist's contentment in his calling, despite his austere lifestyle, encourages believers to find joy and fulfillment in their God-given purpose. Discernment in Leadership Jesus' words prompt believers to discern true spiritual leadership, which is often marked by humility and service rather than external appearances. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Luke 7:25?2. How does Luke 7:25 challenge our understanding of true greatness and humility? 3. What does Jesus imply about worldly versus spiritual priorities in Luke 7:25? 4. How can we apply the lesson of Luke 7:25 in our daily lives? 5. What Old Testament figures exemplify the humility described in Luke 7:25? 6. How does Luke 7:25 relate to Jesus' teachings on the Kingdom of God? 7. What does Luke 7:25 reveal about the nature of true greatness in God's kingdom? 8. How does the imagery in Luke 7:25 challenge societal views on wealth and status? 9. Why does Jesus contrast soft clothing with a prophet in Luke 7:25? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 7? 11. What were the teachings of Jesus? 12. Should one choose burial or cremation? 13. Is the manger clean without any oxen present? 14. What does the Bible say about hypochondria? What Does Luke 7:25 Mean Otherwise, what did you go out to see?- Jesus has just sent John’s messengers away (Luke 7:24). Turning to the crowd, He invites them to examine their motives. - The question assumes they made a deliberate trip into the desert; He wants them to remember why (Matthew 11:7). - By calling them to self-reflection, Jesus stresses that faith involves more than curiosity—it demands recognizing God’s work when it appears (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23). A man dressed in fine clothes? - John’s rough camel-hair garment (Mark 1:6) set him apart from worldly comfort, echoing the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). - Prophets often embraced hardship as a sign of total devotion (Hebrews 11:37-38), so Jesus’ question rules out the idea that John was a courtier or entertainer. - The crowd’s fascination wasn’t with fashion but with a message of repentance and the nearness of God’s kingdom (Luke 3:3-6). Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces. - Fine silk and plush surroundings belong to royal courts, not wilderness riverbanks (Esther 1:6; Luke 16:19). - By contrasting palaces with John’s desert setting, Jesus highlights God’s habit of speaking through humble vessels (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). - The statement also rebukes any tendency to chase social status rather than spiritual truth (James 2:1-4). - John’s stark lifestyle underscored the urgency of his call: repent, for judgment and salvation were at hand (Luke 3:7-9). summary Luke 7:25 underscores that John the Baptist was no soft, palace-bred figure, but a rugged prophet sent by God. Jesus uses the crowd’s own memory of John’s austere appearance to remind them that genuine revelation often comes clothed in humility, not luxury. Recognizing God’s messengers requires looking past outward trappings and valuing the truth they proclaim. (25) They which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately.--The words are more vivid than those in St. Matthew ("they that wear soft clothing"), and bring out the idea of ostentatious display and extravagant excess of luxury, as well as effeminate self-indulgence. Such forms of selfishness were common among the house of Herod and their followers. So Josephus describes the "royal apparel" of Agrippa (Acts 12:21) as glittering with gold and silver tissues. The words must have gone home to some of the Herodians, and we may trace a touch of brutal vindictiveness in the "gorgeous" or "bright robe," in which they arrayed the Prophet of Nazareth when they had Him in their power. (See Notes on Luke 23:11; Matthew 11:8.)Verse 25. - But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. Was it, again, to see one of earth's so-called great ones - a favourite of the reigning monarch, a courtier of the magnificent Herod? John was no court favourite, no powerful or princely noble. Dean Plumptre thinks that here a reference is made to the fact that, in the early days of Herod the Great, a section of the scribes had attached themselves to his policy and party, and in doing so had laid aside the sombre raiment of their order, and had appeared in the gorgeous raiment worn by Herod's other courtiers. "We may trace," adds the dean, "with very little hesitation, a vindictive retaliation for these very words in the 'gorgeous robe' with which Herod arrayed him in mockery, when the tetrarch and Christ stood for one brief hour face to face with each other" (Luke 23:4).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek If not,ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. what τί (ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. did you go out ἐξήλθατε (exēlthate) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. to see? ἰδεῖν (idein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. A man ἄνθρωπον (anthrōpon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. dressed ἠμφιεσμένον (ēmphiesmenon) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 294: To put on, clothe. From the base of amphoteros and hennumi; to enrobe. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. fine μαλακοῖς (malakois) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 3120: (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite. clothes? ἱματίοις (himatiois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 2440: A long flowing outer garment, tunic. Neuter of a presumed derivative of ennumi; a dress. Look, ἰδοὺ (idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular Strong's 2400: See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! those who οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. [wear] ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. elegant ἐνδόξῳ (endoxō) Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 1741: Highly esteemed, splendid, glorious. From en and doxa; in glory, i.e. Splendid, noble. clothing ἱματισμῷ (himatismō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2441: A collective word: raiment, clothing. From himatizo; clothing. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. live ὑπάρχοντες (hyparchontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 5225: To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb). in luxury τρυφῇ (tryphē) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular Strong's 5172: From thrupto (figuratively) enfeeble, especially the mind and body by indulgence); effeminacy, i.e. Luxury or debauchery. are found εἰσίν (eisin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. in ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. palaces. βασιλείοις (basileiois) Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural Strong's 934: Courtiers, palaces, a body of kings, royal. From basileus; kingly. Links Luke 7:25 NIVLuke 7:25 NLT Luke 7:25 ESV Luke 7:25 NASB Luke 7:25 KJV Luke 7:25 BibleApps.com Luke 7:25 Biblia Paralela Luke 7:25 Chinese Bible Luke 7:25 French Bible Luke 7:25 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Luke 7:25 But what did you go out (Luke Lu Lk) |
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