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And having left them, He went away. <a href="/kjv/matthew/16.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/matthew/16.htm">New King James Version</a> A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation wants a sign; and so a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. <a href="/nasb/matthew/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.&#8221 And He left them and went away. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them, and went away. <a href="/lsb/matthew/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> An evil and adulterous generation eagerly seeks for a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. <a href="/amp/matthew/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> An evil and [morally] unfaithful generation craves a [miraculous] sign; but no sign will be given to it, except the sign of [the prophet] Jonah.” Then He left them and went away. <a href="/csb/matthew/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.&#8221 Then He left them and went away. <a href="/asv/matthew/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of Jonah. And he left them, and departed. <a href="/cev/matthew/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You want a sign because you are evil and won't believe! But the only sign you will be given is what happened to Jonah. Then Jesus left. <a href="/erv/matthew/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of Jonah. And he left them, and departed. <a href="/gwt/matthew/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Evil and unfaithful people look for a miraculous sign. But the only sign they will be given is that of Jonah." Then he left them standing there and went away. <a href="/gnt/matthew/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> How evil and godless are the people of this day! You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of Jonah." So he left them and went away. <a href="/isv/matthew/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." Then he left them and went away. <a href="/msb/matthew/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.? Then He left them and went away. <a href="/net/matthew/16.htm">NET Bible</a> A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." Then he left them and went away. <a href="/nheb/matthew/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of Jonah." He left them, and departed. <a href="/wbt/matthew/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh for a sign; and there shall no sign been to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed. <a href="/wey/matthew/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A wicked and faithless generation are eager for a sign; but none shall be given to them except the sign of Jonah." and He left them and went away. <a href="/web/matthew/16.htm">World English Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them and departed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and a sign will not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet”; and having left them He went away. <a href="/blb/matthew/16.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." And having left them, He went away. <a href="/ylt/matthew/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> '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;' and having left them he went away. <a href="/slt/matthew/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; and no sign shall be given her, except the sign of Jonas the prophet. And having left them, he departed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign: and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. And he left them, and went away. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation seeks a sign. And a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And leaving them behind, he went away. <a href="/nabre/matthew/16.htm">New American Bible</a> An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” Then he left them and went away.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> A wicked and adulterous generation wants a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them and went away. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/16.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and a sign is not given to it, but the sign of Jonah The Prophet.” And he left them and departed.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/16.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> A wicked and adulterous generation seeks for a sign: and no sign shall be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. And he left them and departed.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/16.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign. And no sign shall be given it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.<Fr> And leaving them, He departed. <a href="/haweis/matthew/16.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh a sign; and no sign shall be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah. And he left them, and departed.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/16.htm">Mace New Testament</a> a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas, and so leaving them, he went away. <a href="/wey/matthew/16.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> A wicked and faithless generation are eager for a sign; but none shall be given to them except the sign of Jonah." and He left them and went away. <a href="/worrell/matthew/16.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>An evil and adulterous generation is seeking after a sign; and no sign will be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet."<Fr> And, leaving them, He departed. <a href="/worsley/matthew/16.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> This<FR> wicked and degenerate race demand a sign; but no sign shall be given them, except that of the prophet Jonah.<Fr> And so He left them and went away. <a href="/parallel/matthew/16-4.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=4566" 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/16.htm">The Demand for a Sign</a> …3and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. 4<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/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/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/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/2495.htm" title="2495: Iōna (N-GMS) -- (Hebrew), Jonah, the Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Jonas, the name of two Israelites.">of Jonah.” </a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Then</a> <a href="/greek/2641.htm" title="2641: katalipōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining.">He left</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/565.htm" title="565: apēlthen (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively.">and went away.</a> 5When they crossed to the other side, the disciples forgot to take bread.…<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="/jonah/3-4.htm">Jonah 3:4-10</a> On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!” / And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. ... <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-32</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. / The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. ... <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39-41</a> Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. / For 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. / The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11-12</a> Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / 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="/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="/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="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23-27</a> When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?” / “I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. / What was the source of John’s baptism? Was it from heaven or from men?” They deliberated among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ ... <a href="/luke/12-54.htm">Luke 12:54-56</a> Then Jesus said to the crowds, “As soon as you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens. / And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it is. / You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you know how to interpret the present time? <a href="/matthew/24-30.htm">Matthew 24:30</a> At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. <a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30-31</a> So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? / Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” <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. <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="/ezekiel/14-1.htm">Ezekiel 14:1-11</a> Then some of the elders of Israel came and sat down before me. / And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Son of man, these men have set up idols in their hearts and put wicked stumbling blocks before their faces. Should I consult with them in any way? ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.wicked.<a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39,40</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="/mark/8-12.htm">Mark 8:12,38</a> And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation… <a href="/acts/2-40.htm">Acts 2:40</a> And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.but.<a href="/jonah/1-17.htm">Jonah 1:17</a> Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.<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… And he.<a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.<a href="/genesis/6-3.htm">Genesis 6:3</a> And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.<a href="/hosea/4-17.htm">Hosea 4:17</a> Ephraim is joined to idols: let him alone.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Adulterous</a> <a href="/matthew/15-29.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-7.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/12-45.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/matthew/12-41.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/14-5.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/15-24.htm">Save</a> <a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/8-38.htm">Adulterous</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/matthew/17-21.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/17-8.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">Generation</a> <a href="/matthew/16-6.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/16-17.htm">Jonah</a> <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Jonas</a> <a href="/luke/9-62.htm">Looks</a> <a href="/mark/6-14.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/21-4.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Save</a> <a href="/matthew/28-5.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/matthew/18-12.htm">Seeketh</a> <a href="/luke/11-10.htm">Seeks</a> <a href="/matthew/24-3.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 16</div>1. <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">The Pharisees require a sign.</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/16-5.htm">Jesus warns his disciples of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/16-13.htm">The people's opinion of Jesus,</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/16-16.htm">and Peter's confession of him.</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/16-21.htm">Jesus foretells his death;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">reproves Peter for dissuading him from it;</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/16-24.htm">and admonishes those who will follow him, to bear the cross.</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/16.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/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign This phrase highlights the moral and spiritual corruption of the people Jesus was addressing. The term "wicked" refers to their sinful nature, while "adulterous" suggests unfaithfulness to God, akin to spiritual infidelity. In the Old Testament, Israel is often described as an unfaithful spouse to God (e.g., <a href="/hosea/3.htm">Hosea 3:1</a>). The demand for a sign indicates a lack of faith and a desire for proof beyond what Jesus had already provided through His teachings and miracles. This reflects a broader biblical theme where faith is contrasted with the demand for signs (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22</a>).but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. The "sign of Jonah" refers to the prophet Jonah's experience in the belly of the great fish for three days and nights, which prefigures Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection (<a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a>). Jonah's eventual emergence and his message to Nineveh symbolize repentance and redemption, pointing to Jesus' resurrection as the ultimate sign of His authority and the call to repentance. This connection underscores the prophetic nature of Jonah's story and its fulfillment in Christ's resurrection, which is the definitive sign for all generations.Then He left them and went away. This action signifies Jesus' rejection of those who persistently refuse to believe despite ample evidence of His identity and mission. It reflects a pattern seen in Scripture where God withdraws His presence from those who harden their hearts (e.g., <a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-28</a>). Jesus' departure also foreshadows the eventual judgment on those who reject Him, emphasizing the urgency of responding to His message. This moment serves as a turning point, highlighting the seriousness of unbelief and the consequences of rejecting the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and Sadducees who are demanding a sign from Him. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_sadducees.htm">Pharisees and Sadducees</a> Religious leaders of the time who often opposed Jesus and His teachings. They are known for their strict adherence to the law and skepticism towards Jesus. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_sign_of_jonah.htm">The Sign of Jonah</a> Refers to the prophet Jonah, who spent three days in the belly of a great fish, symbolizing Jesus' future death, burial, and resurrection. 4. <a href="/topical/g/generation.htm">Generation</a> Refers to the people of that time, characterized by their unbelief and demand for miraculous signs. 5. <a href="/topical/d/departure_of_jesus.htm">Departure of Jesus</a> After addressing them, Jesus leaves, signifying a break in communication due to their hardened hearts.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_signs.htm">Faith Over Signs</a> True faith does not rely on miraculous signs but trusts in God's word and promises. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_belief.htm">Repentance and Belief</a> The sign of Jonah calls for repentance and belief in the resurrection of Christ as the ultimate sign. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a> Believers are called to discern the times spiritually, recognizing God's work without demanding physical evidence. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_hard-heartedness.htm">Avoiding Hard-heartedness</a> Like the Pharisees and Sadducees, we must guard against a hardened heart that demands proof rather than trusting in God's revelation. <a href="/topical/c/christ's_resurrection_as_the_ultimate_sign.htm">Christ's Resurrection as the Ultimate Sign</a> The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, providing assurance of Jesus' divine authority and the promise of eternal life.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) The sign of the prophet Jonas.--See Note on <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm" title="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:">Matthew 12:39</a>. As given by St. Mark, the answer was a more absolute refusal, "No sign" (i.e., none of the kind that was demanded) "shall be given to this generation."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - A wicked and adulterous generation... Jonas. These words our Lord had already uttered on a former occasion (<a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Matthew 12:39</a>), but he does not here explain them, as he did before (see Introduction, § 7). Under similar circumstances he repeats himself, but he wastes not time in useless discussions with perverse opponents who will not see the truth. Of his death and resurrection, whereof Jonah was a type, they knew and understood nothing. Perhaps they thought of Jonah only as a prophet against the heathen city Nineveh, and a preacher of repentance, and were disposed to resent the allusion as an affront to their vaunted righteousness. He left them. Took ship for Magedan, and crossed the lake to the northeast shore, in the neighbourhood of Bethsaida Julias. He, as it were, despaired of their improvement, and left them in righteous anger at their obduracy. "A man that is heretical after a first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted and sinneth, being self-condemned" (<a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Titus 3:10, 11</a>). Jesus never taught publicly or worked miracles again on this spot. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/16-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[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 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. Then καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. He left καταλιπὼν (katalipōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2641.htm">Strong's 2641: </a> From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. [and] went away. ἀπῆλθεν (apēlthen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_565.htm">Strong's 565: </a> From apo and erchomai; to go off, aside or behind, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/16-4.htm">Matthew 16:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/16-4.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 16:4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/16-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 16:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 16:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/16-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 16:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 16:5" /></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>