Matthew 12:38

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

Then {G5119} certain {G5100} of the scribes {G1122} and {G2532} of the Pharisees {G5330} answered {G611}, saying {G3004}, Master {G1320}, we would {G2309} see {G1492} a sign {G4592} from {G575} thee {G4675}.

At this some of the Torah-teachers said, "Rabbi, we want to see a miraculous sign from you."

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”

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

Commentary

In Matthew 12:38, we find a pivotal moment where certain religious leaders confront Jesus, demanding a miraculous display.

Context

This verse immediately follows a series of significant events in Jesus' ministry. He had just healed a man who was blind and mute, leading many to wonder if He was the Messiah (Matthew 12:22-23). However, the Pharisees, rather than rejoicing, accused Him of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of devils (Matthew 12:24). Jesus sharply rebuked their blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32) and spoke about the importance of good fruit from a good tree. Despite witnessing His undeniable power and hearing His profound teachings, these scribes and Pharisees, driven by skepticism and hostility, now request a "sign" from Him.

Key Themes

  • Demand for Proof vs. Faith: The scribes and Pharisees represent those who continuously demand external, spectacular proof, even when abundant evidence is already present. Their request was not born of genuine inquiry but a desire to test or trap Jesus.
  • Spiritual Blindness: Despite seeing Jesus' miracles and hearing His authoritative teaching, their hearts remained hardened. This highlights a profound spiritual blindness that prevents recognition of God's work.
  • Testing God: Their demand was essentially an attempt to dictate terms to God, requiring Him to perform according to their expectations, rather than submitting to His revelation.

Linguistic Insights

The word "sign" here is the Greek semeion (σημεῖον), which refers to a miraculous deed or wonder that serves as a divine authentication or confirmation. While miracles often did serve as signs to authenticate Jesus' divine mission, these religious leaders sought a sign on their own terms, often as a means to discredit Him if He refused or failed, or to force a display that would fit their preconceived notions of the Messiah. They addressed Him as "Master" (Greek: Didaskalos), meaning "Teacher," a title of respect, yet their underlying intent was far from respectful.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' response to this demand is crucial. He declares that no sign will be given to that wicked and adulterous generation except for the sign of the prophet Jonas (Matthew 12:39-40), referring to His own death, burial, and resurrection. This ultimate sign, though not a spectacle on demand, would be the irrefutable proof of His divine authority. This aligns with other passages where Jesus criticizes the desire for signs, such as when He tells the nobleman, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe" (John 4:48). The apostle Paul also notes that "the Jews require a sign" (1 Corinthians 1:22), contrasting it with the foolishness of the cross to those who seek worldly wisdom or power.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder that genuine faith does not depend on a continuous stream of miraculous signs. God has already provided abundant evidence of His existence, power, and love, supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ, particularly His resurrection. We are called to believe based on the revelation He has already given, rather than demanding further proof on our own terms. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly seeking God, or are we demanding that He conform to our expectations? True faith embraces the truth revealed, not just the spectacular.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 1:22

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

  • 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.

  • Luke 11:16

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

  • John 2:18

    Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  • John 4:48

    Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

  • Luke 11:29

    ¶ 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.
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