What Does Matthew 11:19 Mean in the King James?
The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
Wisdom’s proof is what she brings forth, not the approval of those who condemn her company.
THE MEANING
The Son of Man’s eating, drinking, and friendship with publicans and sinners become grounds for accusation. Yet wisdom is vindicated through her children: what comes from her reveals her nature more clearly than the labels placed on her.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
The lie that respectable conduct proves wisdom, while sharing a table with sinners proves corruption.
THE ROOT
ἐδικαιώθη
edikaiōthē
GROWS FROM
δικ-
dik-
Rightness, justice, or what is in proper alignment.
“is justified” in this verse is edikaiōthē. The verb can mean to vindicate or show to be right. Wisdom’s rightness is disclosed by her offspring, so the accusers’ labels do not get the last word.
ALSO GROWS
dikaios: Just, right, aligned.
δίκαιος
This related word carries the same sense of rightness that the verse says wisdom’s children make visible.
dikaiosynē: Alignment, justice, rightness.
δικαιοσύνη
This word keeps the root’s sense of alignment, linking wisdom’s vindication to the order her life produces.
τέκνων
teknōn
GROWS FROM
τεκ-
tek-
Offspring: what is born or brought forth.
“children” in this verse is teknōn. A child is what comes forth from a source; the word family also includes the act of giving birth. Wisdom’s output becomes the evidence of her nature.
ALSO GROWS
teknon: Child, offspring.
τέκνον
This is the singular form behind “children,” making wisdom’s vindication an image of what she produces.
tiktō: Bear, give birth.
τίκτω
The related verb sharpens the image: wisdom is recognized by what she brings into being.
φίλος
philos
GROWS FROM
φιλ-
phil-
Affection, fondness, loving attachment.
“friend” in this verse is philos. This word points to affectionate attachment, not mere proximity. Jesus’ closeness to publicans and sinners is turned into an accusation, showing how companionship itself becomes a basis for judgment.
ALSO GROWS
phileō: Love, hold affection for.
φιλέω
The verb reveals the warmth within “friend”: this is a relationship of care, not simply being nearby.
philia: Friendship, affection.
φιλία
This related noun reinforces that the charge targets the bond itself.
THE PATTERN
Wisdom’s nature becomes visible through what it produces, even when appearances invite a different verdict.
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.THE THREAD
But wisdom is justified of all her children.Luke repeats the same verb for being justified and the same word for children, extending the image to “all her children.” The parallel makes the measure unmistakable: wisdom’s case is carried by what she brings forth.
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