(Jesus talks about the people who have rejected him and John the Baptizer.)

## To what should I compare ##

This is the start of a rhetorical question. Jesus used it to introduce a comparison that he was about to make. This whole question could also be translated as, "This is what I will compare this generation to. This is what they are like." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

## the people of this generation ##

"the people living now" or "these people" or "you people of this generation"

## They are like ##

This is the beginning of Jesus' comparison. This is a simile (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]]). Jesus is saying that the people of this generation were like children who were never satisfied with the way other children acted.

## marketplace ##

This was a large, open-air area where people would come to sell their goods.

## flute ##

This is a long, hollow musical instrument which is played by blowing air in or over one end.

## and you did not dance ##

"but you did not dance to the music"

## and you did not weep ##

"but you did not weep with us"