Matthew 11:7 - Plain English Version

⁷ Then the followers of John went away, and Jesus started to talk to all the people. He talked to them about John. He said, “You know, you went out into the bush to see John. What sort of man did you think you would see? You didn’t go out there to see a man that is weak, like grass that goes any way the wind pushes it.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁷ And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁷ Then as these men went their way, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: What did you go out in the wilderness (desert) to see? A reed swayed by the wind?

American Standard Version (1901)

⁷ And as these went their way, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?

Common English Bible

⁷ When John’s disciples had gone, Jesus spoke to the crowds about John: “What did you go out to the wilderness to see? A stalk blowing in the wind?

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁷ Then, after they departed, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Matthew 11:7 Cross References

Genesis 49:4

But then you went and did whatever you wanted, just like the wild water in the sea. You took one of my wives, and you slept with her, like a man sleeps with his wife. That was a wrong and dirty thing you did. You made me really shamed. So you will not be my most important son any more.”

Matthew 11:8

And you didn’t go out there to see a man wearing pretty clothes. No, men that wear pretty clothes live in the town, in good big houses.

Matthew 12:20

Some people are weak, like a bit of grass that is almost broken, and some people can’t help themselves, like a candle wick that has almost gone out. He will not forget those people, but he will help them to get strong. He will keep on being right and fair to everyone, until people are fair to each other too.

Matthew 3:5

A lot of people went out to see John, and to listen to him. They went out from Jerusalem city, and from all of Judea country, and from all the country around the Jordan River.

John 1:38

Jesus turned around and saw them, and he asked them, “What are you looking for? Why are you following me?” The men said, “Rabbi, where is your camp?” (In their language, that word Rabbi means Teacher.)

John 5:35

John told you about me. He was like a bright light shining in the darkness, and for a while, you were happy with the things he said.

Ephesians 4:14

So then liars will not trick us, like they trick little kids. Lots of tricky people will try to teach us new messages that sound good, but are wrong. But we will not be like little kids. We will not believe their lies. Instead, we will be strong, and we will not stop believing the true message.

James 1:6

But whenever you ask him, you have to believe that he will answer you. Don’t think, “Maybe he will not listen to me.” No, don’t think like that. Anybody that thinks like that can’t stay strong. They are like a bit of dry grass. The wind just blows it around and it goes anywhere.