Matthew 11:8
New International Version
If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces.

New Living Translation
Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces.

English Standard Version
What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man having been dressed in delicate clothing? Behold, those wearing delicate clothing are in kings' houses.

King James Bible
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

New King James Version
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.

New American Standard Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!

NASB 1995
“But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!

NASB 1977
“But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces.

Legacy Standard Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!

Amplified Bible
What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing [entirely unsuited for the harsh desert]? Those who wear soft clothing are in the palaces of kings!

Christian Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who wear soft clothes are in royal palaces.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? Look, those who wear soft clothes are in kings’ palaces.

American Standard Version
But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in kings' houses.

Contemporary English Version
What kind of man did you go out to see? Was he someone dressed in fine clothes? People who dress like that live in the king's palace.

English Revised Version
But what went ye out for to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft raiment are in kings' houses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Really, what did you go to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear fine clothes 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 live in palaces!

International Standard Version
Really, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? See, those who wear fancy clothes live in kings' houses.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes are in the homes of kings!

New Heart English Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

Webster's Bible Translation
But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

Weymouth New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces.

World English Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold, those wearing the soft things are in the kings’ houses.

Berean Literal Bible
But what did you go out to see? A man having been dressed in delicate clothing? Behold, those wearing delicate clothing are in kings' houses.

Young's Literal Translation
'But what went ye out to see? -- a man clothed in soft garments? lo, those wearing the soft things are in the kings' houses.

Smith's Literal Translation
But what went ye out to see? A man clad in soft garments? but they having soft things are in king's houses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments, are in the houses of kings.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So what did you go out to see? A man in soft garments? Behold, those who are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings.

New American Bible
Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

New Revised Standard Version
What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
If not so, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Behold those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ houses.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Otherwise, what did you go out to see; a man who wears a long soft robe? Behold those who wear soft things are in the house of the King.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings houses.

Godbey New Testament
But what went you out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold those wearing soft raiment are in the houses of the kings.

Haweis New Testament
But what went ye out to see? A man clothed in delicate garments? Lo! they who wear delicate garments are in the houses of kings.

Mace New Testament
what did ye go to see? a man dress'd in rich apparel? why, they that are so array'd belong to the court:

Weymouth New Testament
But what did you go out to see? A man luxuriously dressed? Those who wear luxurious clothes are to be found in kings' palaces.

Worrell New Testament
But what went ye out to see? a man in soft raiment; Behold, those wearing soft raiment are in kings' houses.

Worsley New Testament
But what went ye out to see? a man clad in fine attire? they that wear rich clothes are in the palaces of kings.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Testifies about John
7As John’s disciples were leaving, 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? 8Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear fine clothing are found in kings’ palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.…

Cross References
Luke 7:25
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.

1 Kings 10:4-5
When the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / 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 9:3-4
When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, / 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.

Isaiah 3:18-23
In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; / their pendants, bracelets, and veils; / their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; ...

Ezekiel 16:10-13
I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk. / I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. / I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head. ...

Daniel 5:16
But I have heard about you, that you are able to give interpretations and solve difficult problems. Therefore, if you can read this inscription and give me its interpretation, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

Esther 1:6
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.

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.

Judges 8:26
The weight of the gold earrings he had requested was 1,700 shekels, in addition to the crescent ornaments, the pendants, the purple garments of the kings of Midian, and the chains from the necks of their camels.

1 Samuel 8:11-17
He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...

1 Kings 22:10
Dressed in royal attire, the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah were sitting on their thrones at the threshing floor by the entrance of the gate of Samaria, with all the prophets prophesying before them.

2 Kings 25:29
So Jehoiachin changed out of his prison clothes, and he dined regularly at the king’s table for the rest of his life.

Job 27:16
Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,

Psalm 45:13-14
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.

Proverbs 31:22
She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.


Treasury of Scripture

But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

A man.

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.

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 20:2
At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot.

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Clothed Clothes Clothing Delicate Delicately Dressed Fair Fine Found Garments Houses Kings King's Luxuriously Palaces Raiment Soft Wear Wearing
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Matthew 11
1. John sends his disciples to Jesus.
7. Jesus' testimony concerning John.
16. The perverse judgment of the people concerning the Son.
20. Jesus upbraids Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum;
25. and praising his Father's wisdom in revealing the Gospel to the simple,
28. he calls to him those who are weary and burdened.














What then did you go out to see?
This phrase challenges the audience to reflect on their expectations and motivations. The Greek word for "see" (ἰδεῖν, idein) implies more than just physical sight; it suggests understanding or perceiving. Jesus is prompting His listeners to consider the deeper significance of John the Baptist's ministry. In a spiritual sense, this question encourages believers to examine their own expectations of God's work and to seek a deeper understanding beyond superficial appearances.

A man dressed in fine clothes?
The reference to "fine clothes" (μαλακοῖς, malakois) contrasts with the ascetic lifestyle of John the Baptist, who wore camel's hair and a leather belt (Matthew 3:4). In the historical context, fine clothing was a symbol of wealth and status, often associated with those in positions of power. This rhetorical question underscores the stark difference between worldly expectations of greatness and the humble, prophetic role of John. It serves as a reminder that God's messengers may not conform to societal standards of success or prestige.

Look, those who wear fine clothes
The word "Look" (ἰδοὺ, idou) is an imperative, drawing attention to an important truth. It emphasizes the contrast between the worldly and the divine. The repetition of "fine clothes" reinforces the idea that true spiritual authority and significance are not determined by external appearances. This serves as a call to believers to focus on inner spiritual qualities rather than outward displays of wealth or status.

are found in kings’ palaces
This phrase highlights the association of fine clothing with royal courts and the elite. In the historical and cultural context of the time, kings' palaces were places of luxury and power. By stating that those who wear fine clothes are found in such places, Jesus is pointing out that John the Baptist's mission and message are not aligned with earthly power structures. Instead, John's role as a prophet is to prepare the way for the Kingdom of God, which operates on principles contrary to worldly expectations. This serves as an inspiration for believers to seek God's kingdom, which values humility, righteousness, and truth over material wealth and social status.

(8) A man clothed in soft raiment?-Had they seen, then, one who shared in the luxury, and courted the favour of princes? No, not so, again. They that wear soft clothing, or, as in St. Luke's report, "they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately," are in kings' houses. The words had a more pointed reference than at first sight appears. Jewish historians (Jost, Gesch. Jud. I. 259.) record how 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 garments of their order, and had appeared in the gorgeous raiment worn by Herod's other courtiers. The Herodians of the Gospel history were obviously the successors of these men in policy, and probably also in habits and demeanour; and the reference to "kings' houses" admits of no other application than to the palace of Antipas. We may trace, 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 the Christ stood for one brief hour face to face with each other (Luke 23:11).

Verse 8. - Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Menahem the Essene was by the wish of Herod the Great made deputy to Hillel in the Sanhedrin, but afterwards left his office. "Whither did he go out? Abai said. He went out to destruction. Rabba said, He went out for the service of the king. There is also a Baraitha [i.e. an 'uncanonical' Mishna] to this effect, that Menahem went out for the service of the king, and there went out with him eighty pairs of disciples clothed in Syrian robes" (Talm. Bab., 'Chagigah,' 16b, edit. Streane). It has been conjectured, though hardly on sufficient evidence, that our Lord was thinking of this case; but the Talmudic passage at least illustrates the gorgeousness of the apparel of the courtiers, and suggests the luxury of living that St. Luke speaks of ("They which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts"). It is, however, only fair to Menahem to say that Gratz ('Geschichte der Judaer,' 3. p. 230, edit. 1877) is able to suppose that he merely went back again to his solitude.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
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.

then
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

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 [clothes]?
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.

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
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.

who wear
φοροῦντες (phorountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5409: To carry, wear, bear constantly. From phoros; to have a burden, i.e. to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment.

fine [clothing]
μαλακὰ (malaka)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3120: (a) soft, (b) of persons: soft, delicate, effeminate. Of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e. Fine; figuratively, a catamite.

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.

kings’
βασιλέων (basileōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

palaces.
οἴκοις (oikois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3624: A dwelling; by implication, a family.


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