New Testament
Matthew 11:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him—a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children.
Compare translations
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.
What Matthew 11:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus highlights how people criticized him for his lifestyle, calling him a glutton and a drunkard because he associated with those deemed sinful, like tax collectors. This criticism reflects their misunderstanding of his mission. Jesus emphasizes that true wisdom is recognized by its outcomes, or 'children,' meaning that the results of his actions—transformation and healing—validate his approach. The verse illustrates the tension between societal expectations and the radical love and acceptance Jesus offered. It challenges the notion of righteousness based solely on outward behavior, showing that genuine wisdom is proven by the positive impact it has on people's lives.
How to apply Matthew 11:19 to your life
This verse encourages us to look beyond appearances and societal judgments. It reminds us that true wisdom is demonstrated through the positive impact we have on others. We should be open to forming relationships with those who are marginalized, reflecting Christ's love and acceptance in our own lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Baptist's story: John's Question from Prison (Matthew 11:2–19)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Baptist
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 11:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 11:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 11:19 mean?
Matthew 11:19 illustrates how Jesus faced criticism for his lifestyle and associations, particularly with those considered sinners. It emphasizes that true wisdom is recognized by the positive outcomes of one's actions, rather than by societal judgments.
What is the meaning of 'Son of Man' in Matthew 11:19?
In Matthew 11:19, 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus himself, highlighting his humanity and mission. This title emphasizes his role in connecting with people, including those marginalized by society.
What does 'wisdom is justified by her children' mean?
The phrase 'wisdom is justified by her children' means that true wisdom is demonstrated through the positive results of one's actions. In the context of this verse, it suggests that Jesus' transformative impact on people's lives validates his approach.
How does Matthew 11:19 relate to societal judgments?
Matthew 11:19 challenges societal judgments by showing that appearances can be misleading. It encourages looking beyond superficial assessments to recognize the deeper, positive effects of one's actions, particularly in how we treat others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.