ἀλλὰ assumes the negative answer to the previous question and elegantly connects with it the following = “No; well, then, did you, etc.?” ἐν μαλακοῖς, neuter, ἱματίοις not necessary: in precious garments of any material, silk, woollen, linen; the fine garments suggestive of refinement, luxury, effeminacy. ἰδοὺ οἱ τ. μ. φοροῦντες : ἰδοὺ points to a well-known truth, serving the same purpose as δή here; those accustomed to wear, φορ., frequentative, as distinct from φέροντες, which would mean bearing without reference to habit. οἴκοις τ. βασ., in palaces which courtiers frequent. Jesus knows their flexible, superfine ways well; how different from those of the rudely clad and rudely mannered, uncompromising Baptist!

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Old Testament