Matthew 21:15-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Out of the Mouth of Babes

Matthew 21:15-17 – “Out of the Mouth of Babes”

MT21:15 Now the chief priests and Scribes became incensed[1] when they saw the awesome things[2] Jesus did as well as all the boys[3] yelling, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” MT21:16 The priests and Scribes asked Jesus, “Do you hear what they are saying?” But, Jesus answered them, “Indeed! Did you never read: ‘Out of the mouth of babes[4] and sucklings[5] You arranged praise’?”[6] [Psalm 8:2 LXX] MT21:17 Departing from them Jesus went outside the city into the village of Bethany[7] and found lodging there.

*

[1] Became incensed: Or, KJV: sore displeased; ASV: moved with indignation; KNX: greatly angered; BER: chagrined; NOR: became furious; BECK: they didn’t like it at all.

[2] Awesome things: The Greek is THAUMASIA and related English words mean “miracles” or “magic” (wonders). Or, KJV: wonderful things; RHM: marvels; NOR: works of power.

[3] All the boys: Elsewhere these are described as “disciples.”

[4] Out of the mouth of babes: A quote from Psalm 8:2 (LXX). Jesus had called his disciples elsewhere as little boys or little children.

[5] Sucklings: Or, KNX: infants at the breast; NASB: nursing babes. Compare the metaphor at 1 Peter 2:2.

[6] Arranged praise: Or, KJV: perfected praise; RIEU: ordained; NASB: prepared; NW: furnished.

[7] Bethany: Possibly staying with Lazarus and his sisters. For their own reasons the Synoptics omit the resurrection of Lazarus while John records it.

 

+

Preceding

Matthew 21:1-3 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Sent Ahead for a Donkey

Matthew 21:4-5 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Your King Is Coming upon a Donkey

Matthew 21:6-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blessed the One Coming in God’s Name!

Matthew 21:10-11 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Who Is This?

Matthew 21:12-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Temple Cleansed

Matthew 21:12-14 – From a den of thieves to a house of prayer