New International VersionThe Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
New Living TranslationThe Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’
English Standard VersionThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Berean Standard BibleThe Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Berean Literal BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners!'
King James BibleThe Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
New King James VersionThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
New American Standard BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a heavy drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
NASB 1995“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
NASB 1977“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking; and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!’
Legacy Standard BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Amplified BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a man who is a glutton and a [heavy] wine-drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners [including non-observant Jews].’
Christian Standard BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners! ’
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
American Standard VersionThe Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold, a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Contemporary English VersionBut because the Son of Man goes around eating and drinking, you say, "Jesus eats and drinks too much! He is even a friend of tax collectors and sinners."
English Revised VersionThe Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold, a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him! He's a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
Good News TranslationThe Son of Man came, and he ate and drank, and you said, 'Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!'
International Standard VersionThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look! He's a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
NET BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look at him, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'
New Heart English BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'
Webster's Bible TranslationThe Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold, a gluttonous man, and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.
Weymouth New TestamentThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, there is a man who is overfond of eating and drinking--he is a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!' Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
World English BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a man, a glutton, and a wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and sinners;
Berean Literal BibleThe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a man, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners!'
Young's Literal Translation the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and ye say, Lo, a man, a glutton, and a wine drinker, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners;
Smith's Literal TranslationThe Son of man came eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a man, a glutton, and wine-drinker, a friend of publicans and sinful. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe Son of man is come eating and drinking: and you say: Behold a man that is a glutton and a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe Son of man came, eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a voracious man and a drinker of wine, a friend of tax collectors and of sinners.’
New American BibleThe Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
New Revised Standard Versionthe Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe Son of man came, eating and drinking; and you say, Behold, a glutton and a winebibber, and a friend of publicans and sinners!
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you were saying, 'Behold, a man a glutton and a drinker of wine and a friend of Tax Collectors and of sinners.' “ NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThe Son of man has come, eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners.
Godbey New TestamentThe Son of man has come eating and drinking, and you say, Behold, a gluttonous wine-drinking man, a friend of publicans and sinners.
Haweis New Testament
The Son of man is come eating and drinking, and ye say, A gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
Mace New Testament
the son of man appears indifferent to any kind of meat or drink: yet you say, he is a glutton and a tipler, a friend of publicans and loose people.
Weymouth New Testament
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, there is a man who is overfond of eating and drinking--he is a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!'
Worrell New Testament
The Son of Man has come, eating and drinking; and ye say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a wine-drinker, a Friend of tax-collectors and sinners!'
Worsley New Testament
the Son of man is come eating and drinkinglike other men, and ye call Him a gluttonous man and a wine bibber,and a friend of publicans and sinners.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Testifies about John… 33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34TheSonof Mancameeatinganddrinking,andyou say,‘Lookat thisgluttonanddrunkard,a friendof tax collectorsandsinners!’35But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”…
Cross References Matthew 11:19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”
Matthew 9:10-11Later, as Jesus was dining at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him and His disciples. / When the Pharisees saw this, they asked His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Mark 2:15-16While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with Him and His disciples—for there were many who followed Him. / When the scribes who were Pharisees saw Jesus eating with these people, they asked His disciples, “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Luke 15:1-2Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. / So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
John 2:1-2On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, / and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.
John 8:48The Jews answered Him, “Are we not right to say that You are a Samaritan and You have a demon?”
Matthew 21:31-32Which of the two did the will of his father?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. / For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Luke 5:29-30Then Levi hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his house. A large crowd of tax collectors was there, along with others who were eating with them. / But the Pharisees and their scribes complained to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
John 7:12Many in the crowds were whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” But others replied, “No, He deceives the people.”
Romans 14:3The one who eats everything must not belittle the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted him.
1 Corinthians 5:11But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
Proverbs 23:20-21Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.
Proverbs 23:29-35Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ...
Isaiah 53:3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.
Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Treasury of Scripture The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and you say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a drunkard, a friend of publicans and sinners! eating. Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. Luke 11:37 And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. a friend. Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Luke 19:7 And when they sawit, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. Matthew 9:11 And when the Pharisees sawit, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? Jump to Previous BaptistBreadCollectorsDemonDrinkerDrinkingDrunkardEaterEatingFeastingFoodFriendGluttonGluttonousJohnLoverPublicansSinnersTaxTax-FarmersTax-GatherersWineWinebibberWine-BibberJump to Next BaptistBreadCollectorsDemonDrinkerDrinkingDrunkardEaterEatingFeastingFoodFriendGluttonGluttonousJohnLoverPublicansSinnersTaxTax-FarmersTax-GatherersWineWinebibberWine-BibberLuke 7 1.Jesus finds a greater faith in the centurion;10.heals his servant, being absent;11.raises from death the widow's son at Nain;18.answers John's messengers with the declaration of his miracles;24.testifies to the people what opinion he held of John;31.compares this generation to the children in the marketplaces,36.and allowing his feet to be washed and anointed by a woman who was a sinner,44.he shows how he is a friend to sinners, to forgive them their sins, upon their repentance.The Son of Man came eating and drinkingThis phrase highlights Jesus' approach to ministry, contrasting with John the Baptist's ascetic lifestyle. Jesus, referred to as the "Son of Man," a title emphasizing His humanity and messianic role, engaged in social settings, sharing meals, which was a significant cultural practice for building relationships. This approach fulfilled prophecies like Isaiah 61:1-2, where the Messiah is depicted as one who brings good news and liberation, often through personal interaction and fellowship. and you say,
This indicates the response of the religious leaders and some in the crowd. Their reaction is one of criticism and misunderstanding, reflecting a common theme in the Gospels where Jesus' actions are often misinterpreted by those who hold rigid expectations of religious conduct. This phrase sets the stage for the accusations that follow, showing the tension between Jesus' ministry and the established religious norms. ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard,
The accusation of being a "glutton and drunkard" is a distortion of Jesus' behavior. It echoesDeuteronomy 21:20, where a rebellious son is described similarly, suggesting that Jesus was being labeled as rebellious against traditional religious values. This reflects the cultural and religious expectations of the time, where excessive eating and drinking were frowned upon, especially for a religious teacher. The criticism is ironic, as Jesus' actions were meant to demonstrate the inclusivity and grace of God's kingdom. a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
This phrase underscores Jesus' mission to reach the marginalized and despised in society. Tax collectors were often viewed as traitors and sinners due to their association with the Roman occupiers and their reputation for corruption. By befriending them, Jesus demonstrated the radical nature of His message of grace and redemption. This association fulfills the prophetic vision of the Messiah as one who seeks and saves the lost, as seen inEzekiel 34:16. It also prefigures the Great Commission, where the Gospel is to be shared with all, regardless of social status or past sins. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus (The Son of Man)Central figure in this passage, referred to as "The Son of Man," a title emphasizing His humanity and messianic role. 2. Pharisees and Teachers of the LawReligious leaders who criticized Jesus for His associations and lifestyle. 3. Tax Collectors and SinnersIndividuals marginalized by society and often despised by the religious elite, yet whom Jesus befriended. 4. The PublicThe general populace who witnessed Jesus' actions and the criticisms against Him. 5. GalileeThe region where much of Jesus' ministry took place, including His interactions with diverse groups of people. Teaching Points Understanding Jesus' MissionJesus' association with sinners highlights His mission to seek and save the lost. His actions challenge us to consider how we view and treat those marginalized by society. Criticism and MisunderstandingJesus faced criticism for His methods, reminding us that following God's call may lead to misunderstanding and opposition from others. Compassion Over LegalismJesus prioritized compassion and relationship over strict adherence to societal norms, encouraging us to do the same in our interactions. Breaking Social BarriersJesus' willingness to engage with all people, regardless of their social status, challenges us to break down barriers and extend grace to everyone. Reflecting Christ's LoveAs followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His love and acceptance, reaching out to those who are often overlooked or judged. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 7:34?
2.How does Luke 7:34 challenge our perceptions of Jesus' social interactions today?
3.What does "friend of tax collectors and sinners" reveal about Jesus' mission?
4.How can we emulate Jesus' approach to marginalized individuals in our communities?
5.Which Old Testament prophecies align with Jesus' actions in Luke 7:34?
6.How should Luke 7:34 influence our attitude towards those society deems outcasts?
7.How does Luke 7:34 challenge traditional views of Jesus' social interactions?
8.Why was Jesus criticized for associating with tax collectors and sinners in Luke 7:34?
9.What does Luke 7:34 reveal about Jesus' approach to societal norms?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 7?
11.How does Paul’s appeal in 2 Corinthians 6 conflict with other biblical commands to interact with non-believers (e.g., Luke 7:34, Acts 10)?
12.What does "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" mean?
13.What does the Bible say about friendships with unbelievers?
14.What does 'Wisdom is justified by her children' mean?What Does Luke 7:34 Mean The Son of Man“The Son of Man” (Luke 7:34a) is Jesus’ favorite self-designation. • Draws fromDaniel 7:13-14 where “One like a son of man” is given dominion and glory—pointing to His divine authority and everlasting kingdom. • Highlights His true humanity; He shares our flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14). • Underscores His mission: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Taken literally, Jesus stands before His critics as the promised Messiah who fully enters human experience while holding eternal authority.
Came eating and drinking“The Son of Man came eating and drinking…” (Luke 7:34b). • Stated in contrast to John the Baptist, who “came neither eating bread nor drinking wine” (Luke 7:33). Jesus is no ascetic hermit; He embraces normal table life. • His presence at meals—weddings (John 2:1-11), banquets (Luke 5:29), and everyday suppers (Luke 24:30)—shows God’s kingdom breaking into ordinary settings. •Acts 10:41 recalls post-resurrection meals, confirming literal bodily resurrection. • By eating and drinking He embodiesPsalm 34:8—“Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
And you say“…and you say…” (Luke 7:34c). • The religious leaders respond with criticism instead of faith (Luke 7:30). • Their words expose hearts unwilling to receive wisdom’s proof (Luke 7:35). • Similar pattern inJohn 9:34 andMark 3:22—when confronted with undeniable works, opponents resort to verbal attacks. •Proverbs 18:2 warns that a fool “takes no pleasure in understanding, but in expressing his own opinion.”
‘Look at this glutton and drunkard’“‘Look at this glutton and drunkard…’” (Luke 7:34d). • The insult evokesDeuteronomy 21:20, where a rebellious son is called “a glutton and a drunkard,” implying Jesus deserves judgment. • Accusation is false; Jesus never sinned (1 Peter 2:22), yet He shares meals with joy, allowing slander to grow. • Similar smear inJohn 10:20—“He is demon-possessed and out of His mind.” •Isaiah 5:20 speaks of those who call good evil; here, gracious fellowship is twisted into immoral excess.
‘A friend of tax collectors and sinners!’“…a friend of tax collectors and sinners!” (Luke 7:34e). • Meant as contempt, yet it captures gospel beauty: He “welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). • InLuke 5:30-32 Jesus explains: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” • Zacchaeus rejoices when Jesus stays at his house (Luke 19:7-10), proving friendship leads to transformation. •Romans 5:8 affirms the same heart: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” • The title that condemned Him describes the very grace that saves us.
summaryLuke 7:34 reveals Jesus as the promised Son of Man who deliberately enters ordinary life, sharing meals to extend God’s kingdom. Critics misread His fellowship as excess and His mercy as compromise, labeling Him a glutton, drunkard, and friend of sinners. Their slurs, however, spotlight His sinless compassion: He befriends the lost to redeem them. The verse invites us to recognize that table fellowship with Jesus is where repentance, joy, and salvation meet. Verse 34. - The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! The reproach belonged to the general way of our Lord's way of living, consorting as he did with men and women in the common everyday life of man, sharing in their joys as in their sorrows, in their festivity as in their mourning. But the words specially refer to his taking part in such scenes as the feast in the house of Matthew the publican.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SonΥἱὸς(Huios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of Manἀνθρώπου(anthrōpou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.cameἐλήλυθεν(elēlythen)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.eatingἐσθίων(esthiōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2068:Strengthened for a primary edo; used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by phago; to eat.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.drinking,πίνων(pinōn)Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4095:To drink, imbibe. A prolonged form of pio, which poo occurs only as an alternate in certain tenses; to imbibe.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.you say,λέγετε(legete)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.‘LookἸδοὺ(Idou)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400:See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo![at this]ἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.gluttonφάγος(phagos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5314:A glutton. From phago; a glutton.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.drunkard,οἰνοπότης(oinopotēs)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3630:An excessive wine-drinker. From oinos and a derivative of the alternate of pino; a tippler.a friendφίλος(philos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5384:Friendly; subst: a friend, an associate. Properly, dear, i.e. A friend; actively, fond, i.e. Friendly.of tax collectorsτελωνῶν(telōnōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 5057:A publican, collector of taxes. From telos and oneomai; a tax-farmer, i.e. Collector of public revenue.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.of sinners!’ἁμαρτωλῶν(hamartōlōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 268:Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.
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NT Gospels: Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating (Luke Lu Lk) |
