Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 11:16

"But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the marketplaces, who call unto their fellows" — Matthew 11:16 (ASV)

“Comparison” stands at the heart of Jesus’ parables (see introductory comment on Mk 4). Here Jesus uses an analogy to show his view of his generation in connection with their general rejection of himself as Messiah (see comment on Lk 7:29–35). This identification of “this generation” (GK 1155) is confirmed by the next pericope (vv.20–24).