To what then can I compare the men of this generation?
In this phrase, Jesus begins with a rhetorical question, inviting His listeners to reflect on the nature of their own society. The Greek word for "compare" (ὁμοιόω, homoiō) suggests a likeness or analogy, indicating that Jesus is about to draw a parallel that will reveal deeper truths. The term "men of this generation" refers specifically to the people living during Jesus' time, particularly those who were skeptical or resistant to His message. Historically, this generation was marked by political unrest and religious rigidity, as the Jewish people were under Roman occupation and the Pharisees held significant influence over religious life. Jesus' question sets the stage for a critique of their spiritual blindness and stubbornness.

What are they like?
This phrase continues the rhetorical device, emphasizing the need for introspection among Jesus' audience. The Greek word for "like" (ὅμοιος, homoios) is related to the previous term "compare," reinforcing the idea of drawing a parallel. Jesus is about to provide a vivid illustration that will expose the spiritual condition of His contemporaries. In the broader scriptural context, this question challenges the listener to consider their own spiritual state and openness to God's work. It is a call to self-examination, urging individuals to recognize their need for repentance and faith.

(31-35) Whereunto then shall I liken . . .--See Notes on Matthew 11:16-19. Some of the better MSS. omit the introductory words, "and the Lord said."

Verse 31. - And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? The Master evidently paused a moment here. He sought for some homely, popular simile which would drive home to the listeners' hearts his sad and solemn judgment of the conduct of the ruling Jews of this time. The generation he was then addressing had been singularly blessed with two great Divine messages - the one delivered by that eminent servant of God, John, about whom he had been speaking in such glowing, earnest terms; the other message was his own. He chose for his purpose one of those everyday scenes from the people's life, a scene which they had witnessed often, and in which, no doubt, in past days many of the by-standers themselves had taken a part - one of those child-games which the little ones in his day were wont to play in the summer evenings, and in which, likely enough, he in his boyish years had often shared in, as he played in the little market-place of Nazareth. He likened the wayward men of that generation to a group of children of the people in some open space of the city, now playing at rejoicings, such as take place at wedding festivities, now at wailings, which in Eastern countries accompany funerals; that is to say, the little group would divide itself into two companies, and one would say to the other, "Come, now we will play at a wedding; here are the pipers and the singers, do you come and dance and make merry;" but the others would not. Then the little company of would-be merrymakers would beat their breasts and cry with pretended sorrow; but the others still declined to join in the game of mourning - would not play "at a funeral," just as they refused to join in the game of "rejoicing at a wedding." To such a band of imperious little ones, who were angry if the others did not at once comply with their demands, Jesus compared the wayward and evil generation in which he and John lived. Had they not found bitter fault with John because he had declined to have anything to do with their wicked self-indulgent feasting and luxury? How often had Pharisee and scribe railed with bitter railings against Jesus because he would have nothing to do with their false and hypocritical fastings, with their pretended shrinking from what they deemed unclean and unworthy of them! Dr. Morrison puts it rightly, and forcibly: "They were dissatisfied with John, and would have nothing to do with him." If we are to have reformers, commend us to such as come near us, and visit our houses, and sit at our tables, and are sociable like ourselves.' They pretended, on the other hand, to scorn Jesus, who, while making so lofty a profession, yet went about eating and drinking in people's houses, and even in the homes of publicans and sinners. 'He should have gone into the desert and lived an abstemious life .... Commend us to ascetic men for our reformers.'" The line of interpretation which seems to us simpler and fitted to the framework of the little parable is in the main thus adopted by Meyer, Dr. W. Bleek, Bishop Wordsworth, and Dean Plumptre. "You men of this generation," writes Bishop Wordsworth, "are like a troop of wayward children, who go on with their own game, at one time gay, at another grave, and give heed to no one else, and expect that every one should conform to them. You were angry with John because he would not dance to your piping, and with me because 1 will not weep to your dirge; John censured your licentiousness, I rebuke your hypocrisy; you vilify both, and reject the good counsel of God, who has devised a variety of means for your salvation."

Parallel Commentaries ...


“To what,
Τίνι (Tini)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

can I compare
ὁμοιώσω (homoiōsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3666: To make like, liken; I compare. From homoios; to assimilate, i.e. Compare; passively, to become similar.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative 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.

men
ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

of this
ταύτης (tautēs)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

generation?
γενεᾶς (geneas)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1074: From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.

What
τίνι (tini)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

are they
εἰσὶν (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.

like?
ὅμοιοι (homoioi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3664: Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.


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NT Gospels: Luke 7:31 To what then will I liken (Luke Lu Lk)