Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the group that just questioned the weather and demanded proof of his authority. He speaks to them immediately after rebuking them for reading the sky but missing the spiritual signs of the times.
The words — γενεὰ (genea) translates as generation, and μοιχαλὶς (moichalis) translates as adulterous. These terms describe the spiritual condition of the people demanding proof.
The thread — The demand for a sign and the refusal to give one appear in Luke 11:29 and Matthew 12:39. The exception, the sign of Jonah, connects to Jonah 1:17.
Why it lands — The text states that only one sign will follow this group, rejecting their demand for further proof. It requires readers to accept Jesus' authority without conditional miracles.
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
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Cross-references
- 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.
- 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.
- Jonah 1:17 Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.
- Mark 8:12 Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
- 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.”
- Matthew 15:14 Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
- Genesis 6:3 So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”
- Mark 5:17 And the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region.
- Hosea 4:17 Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!
- Hosea 9:12 Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!