^{24 Ref} And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to behold? a reed shaken with the wind?

^{25 Ref} But what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

^{26 Ref} But what went ye out to see? a prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

^{27 Ref} This is he of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, Who shall prepare thy way before thee.

^{28 Ref} I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there is none greater than John: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

^{29 Ref} And all the people when they heard, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

^{30 Ref} But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him.

^{31 Ref} Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation, and to what are they like?

^{24 Ref} And the messengers of John having gone away, he began to say unto the multitudes concerning John: `What have ye gone forth to the wilderness to look on? a reed by the wind shaken?

^{25 Ref} but what have ye gone forth to see? a man in soft garments clothed? lo, they in splendid apparellings, and living in luxury, are in the houses of kings!

^{26 Ref} `But what have ye gone forth to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet:

^{27 Ref} this is he concerning whom it hath been written, Lo, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way before thee;

^{28 Ref} for I say to you, a greater prophet, among those born of women, than John the Baptist there is not; but the least in the reign of God is greater than he.'

^{29 Ref} And all the people having heard, and the tax-gatherers, declared God righteous, having been baptized with the baptism of John,

^{30 Ref} but the Pharisees, and the lawyers, the counsel of God did put away for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

^{31 Ref} And the Lord said, `To what, then, shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

^{24 Ref} And when the men who were sent by John had gone away, he said to the people, about John, What did you go out into the waste land to see? a tall stem moving in the wind?

^{25 Ref} But what did you go out to see? a man in soft clothing? See now, those who have beautiful clothing and delicate food are in kings' houses.

^{26 Ref} But what did you go out to see? a prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

^{27 Ref} This is he of whom it has been said, See, I send my servant before your face, who will make ready your way before you.

^{28 Ref} I say to you, Among all the sons of women, not one is greater than John: but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

^{29 Ref} (And all the people, and the tax-farmers, to whom John had given baptism, when they had knowledge of these things, gave glory to God.

^{30 Ref} But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were against the purpose of God for themselves, not having had his baptism.)

^{31 Ref} What comparison am I to make of the men of this generation? what are they like?