Devine Scripture

Matthew 21:16

What does Matthew 21:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 21:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 21:16 means

The religious leaders questioned Jesus, asking if He heard the children's praise. Jesus affirmed He did hear and rebuked their indignation by quoting Psalm 8:2: "Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise." He implied that God receives perfect praise even from the youngest and most innocent, further validating the children's shouts and subtly condemning the leaders' inability to recognize God's work. His answer asserted His divinity and their spiritual deafness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and said unto him, Hearest thou what these are saying? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea: did ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Have you any idea what these are saying? And Jesus said to them, Yes: have you not seen in the Writings, From the lips of children and babies at the breast you have made your praise complete?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and they said to him, `Hearest thou what these say?' And Jesus saith to them, `Yes, did ye never read, that, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou didst prepare praise?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And said to him: Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus said to them: Yea, have you never read: Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and said to him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus says to them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

Context

This verse records the direct confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders, in response to their indignation from the previous verse. Jesus' sharp, scripturally grounded reply defends the children's praise and subtly condemns His accusers. This exchange further solidifies the conflict between Jesus and the established religious authority, preceding His departure from Jerusalem for the evening.

v.15But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children that were crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David; they were moved with indignation,

v.16This passage

v.17And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Mark 2:25

    And he said unto them, Did ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and they that were with him?

  • Matthew 19:4

    And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

  • John 11:47

    The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many signs.

  • Matthew 22:31

    But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,

  • Matthew 12:3

    But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was hungry, and they that were with him;

  • Luke 19:39

    And some of the Pharisees from the multitude said unto him, Teacher, rebuke thy disciples.

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