CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-39.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/40_Mat_12_39.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:39 - The Sign of Jonah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Jesus replied, A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/12-39.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/12-39.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 39</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad19.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm" title="Matthew 12:38">◄</a> Matthew 12:39 <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm" title="Matthew 12:40">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/12.htm">New International Version</a> He answered, &#8220A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And answering He said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, and no sign will be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet. <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> 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: <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign; and so no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> But He answered and said to them, &#8220An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation eagerly seeks for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But He replied and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation [that is morally unfaithful to God] craves and demands a [miraculous] sign; but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah; <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But He answered them, &#8220An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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 Jonah the prophet: <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But Jesus replied: You want a sign because you are evil and won't believe! But the only sign you will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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 Jonah the prophet: <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He responded, "The people of an evil and unfaithful era look for a miraculous sign. But the only sign they will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> "How evil and godless are the people of this day!" Jesus exclaimed. "You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> But he replied to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign. Yet no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah, <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Jesus replied, ?A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But he answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh for a sign, and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Wicked and faithless generation!" He replied, "they clamour for a sign, but none shall be given to them except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He answering said to them, “A generation, evil and adulterous, seeks a sign, and a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And answering He said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, and no sign will be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet. <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he answering said to them, 'A generation, evil and adulterous, doth seek a sign, and a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet; <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he having answered, said to them, An evil generation and an adulteress seeks a sign; and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Who answering said to them: An evil and adulterous generation seeketh a sign: and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And answering, he said to them: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign. But a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> He said to them in reply, “An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and no sign will be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign and a sign will not be given to it except the sign of Jonah the Prophet.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But he answered and said to them: A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> He responding, said to them, <FR>A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and no sign shall be given unto it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But he answered and said unto them, A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given it, but the sign of Jonah the prophet: <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Wicked and faithless generation!" He replied, "they clamour for a sign, but none shall be given to them except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And He, answering, said to them, <FR>"An evil and adulterous generation is seeking after a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but He replied and said unto them, <FR>This wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah:<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-39.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=3325" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">The Sign of Jonah</a> 38Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: Ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: apokritheis (V-APP-NMS) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">Jesus replied,</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/4190.htm" title="4190: ponēra (Adj-NFS) -- Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. ">“A wicked</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3428.htm" title="3428: moichalis (N-NFS) -- A prolonged form of the feminine of moichos; an adulteress.">adulterous</a> <a href="/greek/1074.htm" title="1074: Genea (N-NFS) -- From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.">generation</a> <a href="/greek/1934.htm" title="1934: epizētei (V-PIA-3S) -- To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave.">demands</a> <a href="/greek/4592.htm" title="4592: sēmeion (N-ANS) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.">a sign,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">none</a> <a href="/greek/4592.htm" title="4592: sēmeion (N-NNS) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally."></a> <a href="/greek/1325.htm" title="1325: dothēsetai (V-FIP-3S) -- To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.">will be given</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">except</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4592.htm" title="4592: sēmeion (N-NNS) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.">sign</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētou (N-GMS) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">prophet</a> <a href="/greek/2495.htm" title="2495: Iōna (N-GMS) -- (Hebrew), Jonah, the Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Jonas, the name of two Israelites.">Jonah.</a> 40For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jonah/1-17.htm">Jonah 1:17</a> 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. <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-30</a> 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. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4</a> 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. <a href="/mark/8-12.htm">Mark 8:12</a> 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.” <a href="/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18-22</a> On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” / Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” / “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-24</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/luke/24-46.htm">Luke 24:46</a> And He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, <a href="/acts/2-22.htm">Acts 2:22-24</a> Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. / He was delivered up by God’s set plan and foreknowledge, and you, by the hands of the lawless, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross. / But God raised Him from the dead, releasing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep Him in its grip. <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Romans 1:4</a> and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. <a href="/hebrews/2-3.htm">Hebrews 2:3-4</a> how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, / and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. <a href="/isaiah/7-11.htm">Isaiah 7:11-14</a> “Ask for a sign from the LORD your God, whether from the depths of Sheol or the heights of heaven.” / But Ahaz replied, “I will not ask; I will not test the LORD.” / Then Isaiah said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God as well? ... <a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1-3</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? / He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/jeremiah/32-20.htm">Jeremiah 32:20-21</a> You performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and You do so to this very day, both in Israel and among all mankind. And You have made a name for Yourself, as is the case to this day. / You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror. <a href="/ezekiel/24-24.htm">Ezekiel 24:24-27</a> ‘Thus Ezekiel will be a sign for you; you will do everything that he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’ / And you, son of man, know that on the day I take away their stronghold, their pride and joy—the desire of their eyes which uplifted their souls—and their sons and daughters as well, / on that day a fugitive will come and tell you the news. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a> If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:adulterous.<a href="/isaiah/57-3.htm">Isaiah 57:3</a> But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.<a href="/mark/8-38.htm">Mark 8:38</a> Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.<a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a> Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.no sign.<a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4</a> 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.<a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29,30</a> And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/2-2.htm">Adulterous</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Clamour</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-26.htm">Craves</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/12-29.htm">Except</a> <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/7-5.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/jonah/4-9.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/john/21-17.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/12-17.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/7-8.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/matthew/10-39.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/12-35.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Adulterous</a> <a href="/luke/23-23.htm">Clamour</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-5.htm">Craves</a> <a href="/matthew/12-43.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/13-35.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 12</div>1. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Jesus reproves the blindness of the Pharisees concerning the Sabbath,</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/12-3.htm">by scripture,</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/12-9.htm">by reason,</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/12-13.htm">and by a miracle.</a> 22. <a href="/matthew/12-22.htm">He heals a man possessed that was blind and mute;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">and confronting the absurd charge of casting out demons by Beelzebub, </a> 32. <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">he shows that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall never be forgiven.</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Account shall be made of idle words.</a> 38. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">He rebukes the unfaithful, who seek after a sign,</a> 46. <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">and shows who is his brother, sister, and mother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Jesus replied In this passage, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who were challenging Him. His response is authoritative, reflecting His role as a teacher and prophet. This interaction highlights the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, who often questioned His authority and sought to test Him.A wicked and adulterous generation The term "wicked" refers to moral corruption and disobedience to God's commandments. "Adulterous" is used metaphorically to describe unfaithfulness to God, akin to spiritual infidelity. This language echoes the Old Testament prophets, such as Hosea, who used marital unfaithfulness as a metaphor for Israel's idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness (Hosea 1-3).Demands a sign The demand for a sign indicates a lack of faith and a desire for proof beyond what Jesus had already demonstrated through His teachings and miracles. In Jewish culture, signs were often sought as confirmation of divine authority, yet Jesus had already provided ample evidence of His messianic identity through His works.But none will be given it Jesus refuses to perform a sign on demand, emphasizing that faith should not be contingent on miraculous displays. This refusal underscores the importance of belief based on spiritual insight rather than physical evidence, aligning with the biblical theme that "the righteous will live by faith" (<a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a>).Except the sign of the prophet Jonah The "sign of Jonah" refers to Jonah's three days in the belly of the great fish, which prefigures Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection after three days (<a href="/jonah/1-17.htm">Jonah 1:17</a>, <a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a>). This typology highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and underscores the resurrection as the ultimate sign of His divine authority and messianic mission.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes who are demanding a sign from Him to prove His authority and divinity. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a> Religious leaders of the time who often challenged Jesus and His teachings. They represent the "wicked and adulterous generation" seeking a sign. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jonah.htm">Jonah</a> An Old Testament prophet whose experience in the belly of a great fish for three days and nights prefigures Jesus' death and resurrection. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sign_of_jonah.htm">The Sign of Jonah</a> Refers to the miraculous event of Jonah's deliverance, which Jesus uses as a metaphor for His own resurrection. 5. <a href="/topical/g/generation.htm">Generation</a> The people of Jesus' time, particularly those who were skeptical and demanded miraculous signs as proof of His messianic claims.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_signs.htm">Faith Over Signs</a> Jesus emphasizes that true faith does not rely on miraculous signs but on trust in God's word and promises. Believers are called to trust in Jesus' resurrection as the ultimate sign of His authority and divinity. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_obedience.htm">Repentance and Obedience</a> The reference to Jonah serves as a call to repentance. Just as Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching, so should we respond to Jesus' message with repentance and obedience. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_jesus'_mission.htm">Understanding Jesus' Mission</a> The sign of Jonah points to the core of Jesus' mission—His death and resurrection. Believers should focus on the significance of the resurrection as the foundation of their faith. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_adultery.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Adultery</a> The term "adulterous generation" warns against spiritual unfaithfulness. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God, avoiding the temptation to seek after signs and wonders. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_signs_of_the_times.htm">Recognizing the Signs of the Times</a> Jesus' rebuke serves as a reminder to discern the spiritual signs of the times, understanding God's work in the world and aligning our lives accordingly.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 12</a> <a href="/q/does_jonah's_rescue_align_with_other_miracles.htm">How does Jonah’s miraculous rescue align or conflict with other biblical miracles, potentially raising doubts about consistency? (Jonah 2; Matthew 12:39–41)</a> <a href="/q/how_did_jonah_survive_in_a_fish.htm">How could Jonah physically survive inside a fish for three days without being digested or suffocating? (Jonah 2:1) </a> <a href="/q/how_is_friday-sunday_72_hours_like_jonah.htm">Matthew 12:39–40: If Jesus parallels his time in the tomb to Jonah’s “three days and three nights,” how does the typical Friday-to-Sunday timeline align with a literal 72-hour period? </a> <a href="/q/why_was_jesus_dead_for_3_days.htm">Why was Jesus dead for exactly three days?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(39) An evil and adulterous generation.--The true relation between Israel and Jehovah had been represented by the prophets as that of the wife to her husband (Jeremiah 3; Ezekiel 16, 23; Hosea 1, 2). The adulterous generation was therefore one that was unfaithful to its Lord--demanding a sign, instead of finding sufficient proofs of faithfulness and love in what He had already done.There shall no sign be given to it.--The words seem at first to place our Lord's miracles of healing outside the category of signs, and yet it was to these that He referred the messengers of the Baptist as proof that the Christ had indeed come (<a href="/matthew/11-5.htm" title="The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.">Matthew 11:5</a>). They must, however, be interpreted by the context. One sign and only one, such as they demanded, should be given to those for whom the other notes of Messiahship were insufficient, and that should be the sign of the prophet Jonas.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 39. - Of the passages mentioned in the introductory note on vers. 38-42, <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4</a> is verbally identical with the answer of our present verse, except the omission of the words, "the prophet," which occur nowhere else but in this passage. But he answered and said to them, An evil (πονηρά, ch. 6:13, note) and adulterous generation. However frequent the sin of adultery may then have been, the common metaphorical sense of spiritual unfaithfulness to God and the practical worship of some other than Jehovah seems the more probable here (cf. <a href="/james/4-4.htm">James 4:4</a>; <a href="/revelation/2-20.htm">Revelation 2:20-23</a>). Seeketh after (ἐπιζητεῖ); <a href="/matthew/6-32.htm">Matthew 6:32</a>. A sign; but there shall no sign be given to it. In <a href="/mark/8-12.htm">Mark 8:12</a> our Lord's reply ends here. But the sign of the Prophet Jonas; Jonah the prophet (Revised Version). In <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4</a> and <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29</a> "the prophet" has been added in the Received Text. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-39.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[Jesus] replied, ἀποκριθεὶς (apokritheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “A wicked πονηρὰ (ponēra) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4190.htm">Strong's 4190: </a> Evil, bad, wicked, malicious, slothful. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. adulterous μοιχαλὶς (moichalis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3428.htm">Strong's 3428: </a> A prolonged form of the feminine of moichos; an adulteress. generation Γενεὰ (Genea) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1074.htm">Strong's 1074: </a> From genos; a generation; by implication, an age. demands ἐπιζητεῖ (epizētei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1934.htm">Strong's 1934: </a> To seek after, desire, search for, make inquiries about. From epi and zeteo; to search for; intensively, to demand, to crave. a sign, σημεῖον (sēmeion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. none οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. will be given δοθήσεται (dothēsetai) Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1325.htm">Strong's 1325: </a> To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. it αὐτῇ (autē) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. except εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sign σημεῖον (sēmeion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prophet προφήτου (prophētou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. Jonah. Ἰωνᾶ (Iōna) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2495.htm">Strong's 2495: </a> (Hebrew), Jonah, the Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Jonas, the name of two Israelites. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:39 But he answered them An evil (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:38"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:38" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-40.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:40"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:40" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>