6. Ashrey (Happy) is the one who does not find a cause of michshol (falling, stumbling) in me [as Moshiach].
7. As they were leaving, he began to speak to the multitudes about Yochanan, What did you go out into the midbar (wilderness) to see? A reed being shaken by the wind?
8. What did you go out to see? Someone shtats (imposing, impressive) in appearance, attired in soft raiment? Hinei, the ones wearing soft raiment are in houses of melachim (kings).
9. But what did you go out to see? A Navi? Ken, I tell you. And one greater than a Navi.
10. This is he about whom it has been written, HINNENI SHOLEIACH MALACHI (Behold, I will send my messenger) before your face, UPINNAH DERECH LEFANAI (and he will prepare the way before me, [SHEMOT 23:20; MALACHI 3:1]).
11. Omein, I say to you, of those born of women, there has not appeared one greater than Yochanan of the tevilah of teshuva, yet the person with the least chashivut in the Malchut HaShomayim is greater than he.
12. From the days of Yochanan of the tevilah of teshuva until now, the Malchut HaShomayim has been under violent attack and the violent seize it with coercion.
13. For all the Neviim and the Torah prophesied until Yochanan.
14. And, if you are willing it to be mekabel (accept, receive), he is the "Eliyahu," who is to come [MALACHI 3:23].
15. The one having ears, let him hear.
16. But to what will I compare this generation? It is like yeladim sitting in the marketplaces, calling out to one another,
17. We played the chalil (flute) for you, but you did not dance; we sang a kina (lament, funeral dirge) for you, and you did not mourn.
18. For Yochanan came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a shed.
19. The Ben HaAdam [Moshiach] came eating and drinking, and they say, Hinei! A zolel (glutton) and a shikkor (drunkard), a friend of mochesim (tax collectors) and choteim (sinners). Yet, Chochmah (Wisdom) is vindicated by her maasim.