Matthew 11:16 kjv — But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fe…

King James Version

"But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,"

— Matthew 11:16, King James Version

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Matthew 11:16 in Other Translations

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Matthew 11 — Context

13

For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14

And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

16

But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,

17

And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented.

18

For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

19

The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

Matthew 11:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Matthew 11:16 say?
Matthew 11:16 in the King James Version reads: “But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,”
Where is Matthew 11:16 in the Bible?
Matthew 11:16 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 16.
Who wrote Matthew?
Matthew is traditionally attributed to Matthew (Levi), tax-collector turned apostle. It was written c. AD 50–70.
What is the book of Matthew about?
Matthew presents Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah — son of David, son of Abraham, fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Structured around five great teaching blocks including the Sermon on the Mount, it ends with the risen King commissioning his disciples to make disciples of all nations.
What are the major themes of Matthew?
Matthew explores themes including Kingdom of Heaven, Messiah, Fulfillment, Discipleship, Great Commission. These themes shape the meaning and context of Matthew 11:16.
What translation should I read Matthew 11:16 in?
Matthew 11:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Matthew 11:16?
Matthew 11:16 reads (KJV): “But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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