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 12:38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/12-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/40_Mat_12_38.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 12:38 - The Sign of Jonah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, Teacher, we want to see a sign from You." /><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/12-38.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/12-38.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 38</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="/ad18.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/12-37.htm" title="Matthew 12:37">◄</a> Matthew 12:38 <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm" title="Matthew 12:39">►</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> Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, &#8220Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” <a href="/esv/matthew/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” <a href="/bsb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You." <a href="/kjv/matthew/12.htm">King James Bible</a> Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/12.htm">New King James Version</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, &#8220Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered and said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” <a href="/amp/matthew/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign (attesting miracle) from You [proving that You are what You claim to be].” <a href="/csb/matthew/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, &#8220Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee. <a href="/cev/matthew/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Some Pharisees and teachers of the Law of Moses said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a sign from heaven." <a href="/erv/matthew/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. <a href="/gwt/matthew/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then some scribes and Pharisees said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign." <a href="/gnt/matthew/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then some teachers of the Law and some Pharisees spoke up. "Teacher," they said, "we want to see you perform a miracle." <a href="/isv/matthew/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees told Jesus, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." <a href="/msb/matthew/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said, ?Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.? <a href="/net/matthew/12.htm">NET Bible</a> Then some of the experts in the law along with some Pharisees answered him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." <a href="/nheb/matthew/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you." <a href="/wbt/matthew/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then He was accosted by some of the Scribes and of the Pharisees who said, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign given by you." <a href="/web/matthew/12.htm">World English Bible</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we will to see a sign from You.” <a href="/blb/matthew/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from You." <a href="/ylt/matthew/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Then answered certain of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, 'Teacher, we will to see a sign from thee.' <a href="/slt/matthew/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying: Master we would see a sign from thee. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then certain ones from the scribes and the Pharisees responded to him, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/12.htm">New American Bible</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then some of the men of the scribes and Pharisees answered and said to him, Teacher, we would like to see a sign from you. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Then some of the Scribes and Pharisees responded and they were saying to him, “Teacher we wish to see a sign from you.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered and said: Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you. <a href="/godbey/matthew/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then certain ones of the scribes and Pharisees responded, saying, Teacher, we wish to see a sign from Thee. <a href="/haweis/matthew/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees addressed him, saying, Master, we desire to see a sign from thee. <a href="/mace/matthew/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees said, master, we should be glad you would shew us some miracle. <a href="/wey/matthew/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Then He was accosted by some of the Scribes and of the Pharisees who said, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign given by you." <a href="/worrell/matthew/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered Him, saying, "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from Thee." <a href="/worsley/matthew/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then some of the scribes and pharisees answered Him, saying, Master, we should be glad to see a sign from thee: <a href="/parallel/matthew/12-38.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=3319" 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> 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” 38<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tines (IPro-NMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">some</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- 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/1122.htm" title="1122: grammateōn (N-GMP) -- From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.">scribes</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: apekrithēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">said to Him,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- 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/3004.htm" title="3004: legontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. "></a> <a href="/greek/1320.htm" title="1320: Didaskale (N-VMS) -- A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor.">“Teacher,</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelomen (V-PIA-1P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">we want</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: idein (V-ANA) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">to see</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/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You.”</a> 39Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.…<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="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and 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. ... <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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/2_kings/20-8.htm">2 Kings 20:8-11</a> Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” / And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” / “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” ... <a href="/exodus/7-9.htm">Exodus 7:9-10</a> “When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent.” / So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. <a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11-12</a> And the LORD said to Moses, “How long will this people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, despite all the signs I have performed among them? / I will strike them with a plague and destroy them—and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are.” <a href="/1_kings/13-3.htm">1 Kings 13:3-5</a> That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” / Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. / And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.Master.<a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven… <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11,12</a> And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him… <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Luke 11:16,29</a> And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/12-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Master</a> <a href="/daniel/4-2.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/12-24.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/9-3.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/matthew/7-8.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/10-25.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/matthew/9-3.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/matthew/8-29.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/12-47.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/matthew/13-52.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/13-27.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/matthew/13-52.htm">Teacher</a> <a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/matthew/13-28.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/15-28.htm">Wish</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>Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him The scribes and Pharisees were religious leaders in Jewish society, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their influence over the people. They often opposed Jesus, challenging His authority and teachings. This encounter reflects their ongoing skepticism and resistance to Jesus' ministry. Historically, the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect that emphasized purity and the oral traditions, while the scribes were experts in the Law, responsible for copying and interpreting the Scriptures.“Teacher, By addressing Jesus as "Teacher," the scribes and Pharisees acknowledge His role as a rabbi or instructor, which was a common title for those who taught the Jewish law. However, their use of this title may be insincere, as they often sought to test or trap Him rather than genuinely learn from Him. This reflects a cultural context where respect for teachers was customary, yet their intentions were not always honorable.we want to see a sign from You.” The request for a sign indicates a demand for miraculous proof of Jesus' divine authority. In Jewish tradition, signs and wonders were often associated with God's intervention and validation of His messengers, as seen in the stories of Moses and the prophets. However, Jesus had already performed numerous miracles, and their demand for a sign reveals their unbelief and hardened hearts. This request echoes the Israelites' demand for signs in the wilderness, highlighting a recurring theme of doubt and testing God. Jesus' response to such demands often pointed to the sufficiency of His teachings and the signs already given, emphasizing faith over the need for constant miraculous evidence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/scribes.htm">Scribes</a> Jewish scholars and teachers of the Law who were often associated with the Pharisees. They were experts in the Scriptures and played a significant role in religious and legal matters. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious and political group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They often clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and His teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, believed by Christians to be the Son of God and the Messiah. In this passage, He is addressed as "Teacher" by the scribes and Pharisees. 4. <a href="/topical/r/request_for_a_sign.htm">Request for a Sign</a> The scribes and Pharisees demand a miraculous sign from Jesus to prove His authority and divine mission. 5. <a href="/topical/c/context_of_the_request.htm">Context of the Request</a> This event occurs after Jesus has performed numerous miracles and taught extensively, yet the religious leaders remain skeptical and demand further proof.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_demand_for_signs_reflects_unbelief.htm">The Demand for Signs Reflects Unbelief</a> The request for a sign reveals a lack of faith and an unwillingness to accept the evidence already provided through Jesus' teachings and miracles. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_blindness.htm">Spiritual Blindness</a> The scribes and Pharisees' inability to recognize Jesus' authority highlights the danger of spiritual blindness and the importance of having a heart open to God's truth. <a href="/topical/t/the_sufficiency_of_christ's_resurrection.htm">The Sufficiency of Christ's Resurrection</a> Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate sign of His divine authority and mission. Believers are called to trust in this foundational truth. <a href="/topical/f/faith_beyond_sight.htm">Faith Beyond Sight</a> True faith does not rely on constant miraculous signs but trusts in God's promises and His revealed Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_signs_and_wonders.htm">The Role of Signs and Wonders</a> While signs can point to God's power, they are not the foundation of faith. Believers should seek a deeper relationship with God rather than just miraculous experiences.<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/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'seeks_a_sign'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "seeks a sign"?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_prioritizing_others'_interests.htm">What is the significance of Moses' Seat?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_eat_with_sinners.htm">What is the meaning of Jesus eating with sinners?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_genesis_24_14_approved.htm">Why is a sign-based approach (Genesis 24:14) seemingly approved here, when similar methods are discouraged in other biblical passages?</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>(38) Master, we would see a sign from thee.--The order varies slightly from that in St. Luke, in which the demand for a sign follows on the parable of the unclean spirit returning to his house. In both, however, the sequence of thought appears the same. The tone of authority, as of one who is the judge of all men, leads to the challenge--"Give us a sign by which you may convince us that you have a right thus to speak."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 38-42. - Before entering on this difficult passage, it seems necessary to make some preliminary observations. (1) <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-32</a> is the recognized parallel. (2) According to <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Luke 11:16</a>, our Lord had been already asked for a sign, in what would be the middle of our preceding discussion, i.e. between the accusation by the Pharisees (our ver. 24) and the Lord's answer to it (our ver. 25, sqq.). This shows that either the demand was in fact made at some time during this discussion, or at least that it was such a demand as our Lord's opponents were likely to make when they were hard pressed, and such as they did in fact make on a somewhat similar occasion. Notice that in <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Luke 11:16</a> it is expressly attributed to others than those who had brought the accusation. (3) Very similar verses are found in <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> (parallel passage: <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11-13</a>); <a href="/luke/11-16.htm">Luke 11:16</a> agrees more verbally with the demand as described there than with our ver. 38. . . . <a href="/commentaries/matthew/12-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. some τινες (tines) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <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. scribes γραμματέων (grammateōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1122.htm">Strong's 1122: </a> From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Pharisees Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. said to Him, ἀπεκρίθησαν (apekrithēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <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. “Teacher, Διδάσκαλε (Didaskale) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1320.htm">Strong's 1320: </a> A teacher, master. From didasko; an instructor. we want θέλομεν (thelomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. to see ἰδεῖν (idein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. 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. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. You.” σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/12-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 12:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/12-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 12:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 12:39" /></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>