Luke 11:29

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when the people {G3793} were gathered thick together {G1865}, he began {G756} to say {G3004}, This {G3778} is {G2076} an evil {G4190} generation {G1074}: they seek {G1934} a sign {G4592}; and {G2532} there shall {G1325} no {G3756} sign {G4592} be given {G1325} it {G846}, but {G1508} the sign {G4592} of Jonas {G2495} the prophet {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As the people crowded around him, Yeshua went on to say, “This generation is a wicked generation! It asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it — except the sign of Yonah.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:29, Jesus sternly rebukes a large crowd demanding a miraculous sign, labeling them an "evil generation." He declares that no sign will be given to them except for "the sign of Jonas the prophet," thereby redirecting their focus from superficial spectacle to the profound, redemptive event of His own death, burial, and resurrection, which would serve as the ultimate and undeniable proof of His divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration from Jesus is not an isolated statement but occurs within a larger narrative of escalating confrontation between Jesus and the religious authorities, as well as the curious but often skeptical crowds. Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus has just cast out a demon from a mute man, leading to a divided response: some marvel, while others accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the ruler of demons ([Luke 11:14-15](/luke/11-14-15 "Luke 11:14-15 - Jesus Casts Out a Demon")). This accusation prompts Jesus' powerful defense, including the parable of the strong man and the assertion that "He who is not with me is against me" ([Luke 11:21-23](/luke/11-21-23 "Luke 11:21-23 - The Strong Man and Divided Kingdom")). It is in this atmosphere of skepticism and challenge that some, specifically identified in the parallel account in [Matthew 12:38](/matthew/12-38 "Matthew 12:38 - Scribes and Pharisees Demand a Sign") as scribes and Pharisees, demand a "sign from heaven" ([Luke 11:16](/luke/11-16 "Luke 11:16 - The Demand for a Sign")). Jesus' response in [Luke 11:29](/luke/11-29 "Luke 11:29 - The Sign of Jonah") directly addresses this persistent demand, highlighting their spiritual blindness despite the numerous miracles He had already performed.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a land steeped in messianic expectation, but often with a misunderstanding of the Messiah's nature. Many anticipated a political deliverer who would perform grand, undeniable signs to overthrow Roman rule and restore Israel's glory. Miracles were indeed seen as authenticating divine messengers, but the demand for a "sign from heaven" often implied a desire for a spectacular, unambiguous display that would leave no room for doubt, perhaps a cosmic event or a sign like those performed by Moses in the Exodus. This demand was often a test, a challenge to Jesus' authority, rather than a genuine search for truth. The people, including the religious leaders, were accustomed to a transactional relationship with God, seeking overt displays of power rather than internal transformation. Their spiritual hardenedness prevented them from recognizing God's presence in the humble Nazarene, even as He healed the sick, cast out demons, and taught with unprecedented authority.
* **Key Themes:** This passage significantly contributes to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **faith versus sight**, challenging those who seek external validation over genuine internal conviction. Jesus had already provided ample evidence of His divine authority through His teaching and miracles, yet their desire for more signs revealed a fundamental lack of faith. Secondly, the declaration of "an evil generation" highlights the theme of **spiritual blindness and unresponsiveness** to God's revelation. Despite witnessing the very Son of God, this generation remained hardened, unwilling to repent or believe. This theme is further developed in the subsequent verses comparing them to the people of Nineveh and the Queen of the South ([Luke 11:31-32](/luke/11-31-32 "Luke 11:31-32 - The Queen of the South and Nineveh")). Thirdly, the "sign of Jonas" introduces the crucial theme of **Jesus' death and resurrection as the ultimate sign**. This points forward to the central event of Christian theology, emphasizing that the most profound display of God's power would not be a spectacular heavenly sign, but the triumph over death itself, a sign that would only be fully understood after its occurrence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **evil (Greek, _ponērós'_):** From G4190, this word signifies something hurtful, in effect or influence, differing from _kakos_ (G2556), which refers to essential character. Here, it describes a generation that is not merely morally bad but actively harmful, vicious, and culpable in its disposition towards God's truth. It implies a spiritual malignancy that leads to rejection of divine revelation.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** From G1074, this term denotes a generation in the sense of an age or the people living within a specific period. Jesus uses it to describe the collective disposition and character of the people of His time, particularly those who were resistant to His message and person. It highlights a prevailing spiritual condition rather than just individual acts of sin.
* **seek (Greek, _epizētéō'_):** From G1934, this verb means to search or inquire for, but more intensively, to demand or crave. The people's "seeking" for a sign was not a humble, open-hearted inquiry for truth but a demanding, persistent craving for proof on their own terms, often with an underlying motive of testing or trapping Jesus.
* **sign (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** From G4592, this refers to an indication, especially one that is ceremonial or supernatural. In this context, it refers to a miraculous proof or wonder. The people were demanding a _sēmeîon_ that would unequivocally authenticate Jesus, despite the numerous miracles He had already performed. Jesus' response redefines what the true, ultimate _sēmeîon_ would be.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the people were gathered thick together,"**: This opening clause sets the scene, indicating a large, dense crowd had assembled around Jesus. The verb "gathered thick together" (G1865, _epathroízō_) emphasizes the sheer number and proximity of the people, highlighting the public nature of Jesus' subsequent pronouncement.
* **"he began to say,"**: This phrase (G756, _árchomai_ and G3004, _légō_) marks the commencement of a significant discourse. It suggests a deliberate and authoritative utterance from Jesus, indicating the importance of the message that follows.
* **"‹This is an evil generation:"**: Jesus delivers a direct and condemning assessment of the people. By calling them "evil" (G4190, _ponērós_), He points to their deep spiritual depravity, their active opposition to God's will, and their moral culpability. Labeling them a "generation" (G1074, _geneá_) implies a collective spiritual condition, a pervasive wickedness that characterized the age.
* **"they seek a sign;"**: This clause identifies the specific demand of this "evil generation." They are actively "seeking" (G1934, _epizētéō_) a "sign" (G4592, _sēmeîon_)—a miraculous display—as proof of Jesus' authority. This seeking is portrayed not as a genuine desire for understanding but as a persistent, perhaps even manipulative, demand for external validation.
* **"and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.›"**: This is Jesus' definitive and restrictive answer. He emphatically states that no other sign will be granted to this demanding generation, except for one specific sign: "the sign of Jonas (Jonah) the prophet." This statement redirects their attention from the kind of spectacular signs they craved to a profoundly significant, yet veiled, future event that would serve as the ultimate proof of His identity and mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:29 is rich with literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent is **Condemnation**, as Jesus directly labels the generation "evil," a stark and unflinching judgment of their spiritual state. This is immediately followed by a powerful use of **Symbolism** and **Foreshadowing** through "the sign of Jonas the prophet." The story of Jonah, particularly his three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, serves as a potent symbol for Jesus' own impending death, burial, and resurrection. This specific sign also creates a stark **Contrast** between the superficial, external signs the people demand and the profound, redemptive sign that God will provide through His Son. The passage also employs **Irony**, as the very generation that demands a sign is given one that they will only understand *after* its fulfillment, highlighting their spiritual blindness in the present moment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:29 underscores a profound theological truth about the nature of faith and divine revelation. It reveals that God's primary mode of operation is not to constantly satisfy human demands for spectacle, but to provide sufficient, albeit often veiled, evidence that requires a response of faith. The "sign of Jonah" points directly to the ultimate divine act: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event, rather than any pre-resurrection miracle, is presented as the definitive and incontrovertible proof of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. The passage implicitly critiques a faith that relies on constant external validation rather than an internal conviction born from repentance and belief in the already revealed truth.

* [Matthew 12:39-40](/matthew/12-39-40 "Matthew 12:39-40 - The Sign of Jonah in Matthew")
* [1 Corinthians 1:22-24](/1_corinthians/1-22-24 "1 Corinthians 1:22-24 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block and Foolishness")
* [John 20:29](/john/20-29 "John 20:29 - Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:29 challenges us to examine the foundation of our own faith. Are we, like the "evil generation," constantly seeking new signs, sensational experiences, or undeniable proofs before we commit to belief? Or is our faith rooted in the historical reality and spiritual power of Jesus Christ, particularly His death and glorious resurrection? This passage calls us to move beyond a transactional approach to faith, where we demand God to prove Himself on our terms, and instead embrace a humble, trusting posture. The ultimate sign has already been given in Christ. Our call is to respond with repentance and belief, allowing the transformative power of the Gospel to shape our lives. It reminds us that true faith is not about seeing more, but about believing what has already been revealed, and living out that conviction daily.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "signs" do I tend to seek from God in my own life, and why?**
* **How does my understanding of Jesus' resurrection impact my daily walk of faith?**
* **In what ways might I be exhibiting a "hardened heart" or spiritual blindness to God's ongoing work around me?**
* **How can I cultivate a faith that is more deeply rooted in conviction and trust, rather than a constant need for external validation?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by calling them an "evil generation"?**

Answer: When Jesus calls them an "evil generation," He is not merely referring to individual sins but to a collective spiritual and moral disposition. The Greek word _ponērós_ (G4190) suggests a deep-seated wickedness, an active opposition to God's will, and a harmful influence. This generation, particularly its religious leaders, had witnessed numerous miracles and heard profound teachings from Jesus, yet they remained spiritually blind, resistant to repentance, and actively sought to discredit Him. Their "evil" was manifested in their refusal to recognize God's presence in Christ and their persistent demand for signs on their own terms, demonstrating a hardened heart and a culpable rejection of divine truth, as further elaborated in [Luke 11:31-32](/luke/11-31-32 "Luke 11:31-32 - The Queen of the South and Nineveh").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "sign of Jonas the prophet" is one of the most profound Christ-centered prophecies in the Gospels, directly pointing to the core of the Christian message. Just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish ([Jonah 1:17](/jonah/1-17 "Jonah 1:17 - Jonah in the Fish")), so Jesus declared that He would be in the heart of the earth for the same period, culminating in His glorious resurrection. This is the ultimate sign, not a spectacular display in the heavens, but God's triumph over sin and death through His Son. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the irrefutable evidence of His divine identity, His victory over evil, and the validation of His saving work. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as affirmed by Paul in [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel of Christ's Death and Resurrection"), where he states that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was raised on the third day. This sign, unlike any other, offers the promise of new life and eternal hope to all who believe, fulfilling the very purpose of God's redemptive plan unveiled throughout the Old Testament and fully realized in the person of Jesus, the resurrected Lord ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 11:16

And others, tempting [him], sought of him a sign from heaven.

Mark 8:11

And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

Mark 8:12

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.

Matthew 12:38

¶ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

Matthew 12:42

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon [is] here.

1 Corinthians 1:22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.