New Testament

Luke 7:31

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus is questioning the nature of the people in His generation.

Author
Luke the physician
Written
Around AD 60-62
Genre
Gospel and history
Original Audience
Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
CBTClear Bible Translation

"So what should I compare the people of this generation to? What are they like?

KJVKing James Version

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus is questioning the nature of the people in His generation. He is seeking to illustrate their behavior and attitudes through a comparison. The rhetorical question highlights a sense of frustration with how people respond to His message and the messages of others, like John the Baptist. The generation is depicted as being difficult to please, as they reject both the ascetic lifestyle of John and the more social approach of Jesus. This reflects a broader theme of how people often resist change and truth, preferring to cling to their own ways rather than embrace new ideas or revelations. Jesus uses this moment to challenge His listeners to reflect on their own attitudes and responses to His teachings, urging them to consider what they truly value and how they engage with the truth. Explore related reflection.

How to apply Luke 7:31 to your life

This verse encourages us to examine our own responses to truth and change. Are we open to new ideas, or do we resist them? It challenges us to reflect on our attitudes and to be willing to embrace growth and understanding, rather than clinging to comfort or tradition.

Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Luke 7:31 mean?

In Luke 7:31, Jesus questions the nature of the people in His generation, illustrating their behavior and attitudes. He highlights their difficulty in being pleased, as they reject both John the Baptist's ascetic lifestyle and His own social approach.

What is the meaning of 'this generation' in Luke 7:31?

In this verse, 'this generation' refers to the people living during Jesus' time who were resistant to change and truth. Jesus uses this phrase to express frustration with their inability to accept different messages from Him and John the Baptist.

How does Luke 7:31 relate to self-reflection?

This verse encourages self-reflection by prompting individuals to consider their responses to truth and change. It asks us to evaluate whether we are open to new ideas or resistant to them.

What themes are present in Luke 7:31?

Key themes in Luke 7:31 include generational attitudes, rejection of truth, and the challenge of self-reflection. The verse illustrates societal frustration and the need to engage with new ideas.

The Book of Luke
Book Summary

The Book of Luke

Luke 1: The Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Foretold

In the days of Herod, king of Judaea, a priest named Zacharias serves in the temple. He and his wife Elisabeth are both righteous but have no children because Elisabeth is barren, and they are both old. While Zacharias burns incense, the angel Gabriel appears to him and says Elisabeth will bear a son who is to be named John. The child will be great before the Lord, will drink no wine or strong drink, and will be filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. Zacharias asks how he can know this, since he and his wife are old. Gabriel says Zacharias will be unable to speak until these things come to pass because he did not believe.

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