Bible Strands
Matthew 12:39
Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees immediately after they request a miraculous sign from Him. He responds at that moment to their demand for proof.
The words — The Greek γενεὰ (genea) literally means “generation,” and πονηρὰ (ponēra) translates to “evil” or “wicked.” The text states these terms together to label the group demanding the sign.
The thread — The text records Jesus repeating this confrontation in Matthew 16:4 and Luke 11:29, and the language aligns with Isaiah 57:3’s description of spiritual unfaithfulness. Each reference tracks the same pattern of demanding proof while rejecting divine revelation.
Why it lands — The text states Jesus will give no sign except the sign of Jonah, directly answering their demand. It asks readers to stop manufacturing proof and instead recognize the authority already present.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Cross-references
- Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
- Luke 11:29 As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
- Isaiah 57:3 “But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes!
- Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
- James 4:4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.