Matthew 12:39

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:

But {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, An evil {G4190} and {G2532} adulterous {G3428} generation {G1074} seeketh after {G1934} a sign {G4592}; and {G2532} there shall no {G3756} sign {G4592} be given {G1325} to it {G846}, but {G1508} the sign {G4592} of the prophet {G4396} Jonas {G2495}:

He replied, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign? No! None will be given to it but the sign of the prophet Yonah.

Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.

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:

Commentary

In Matthew 12:39, Jesus directly confronts the spiritual apathy and demand for a spectacular display of power from the religious leaders of His day. This verse is central to understanding His approach to those who refused to believe despite abundant evidence.

Context

This statement by Jesus comes immediately after "certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees" (Matthew 12:38) request a "sign from heaven." Despite witnessing numerous miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, and demonstrating authority over nature—these leaders remained skeptical and sought a definitive, undeniable sign on their terms. Jesus' response reveals their true spiritual condition and His refusal to cater to their unbelief, instead pointing to a future, ultimate sign.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Unfaithfulness: Jesus labels them an "evil and adulterous generation." The term "adulterous" (Greek: moichalis) here signifies not merely physical infidelity but a profound spiritual unfaithfulness to God, akin to Israel's idolatry and breaking of covenant vows in the Old Testament. They were seeking signs from God while being unfaithful to the covenant He had already established.
  • The Nature of True Faith: This verse underscores that genuine faith does not demand signs as a prerequisite for belief. Those who truly seek God's truth are open to His revelation, not dictating the terms by which He must prove Himself.
  • The Ultimate Sign – Christ's Resurrection: Jesus declares that no sign will be given except "the sign of the prophet Jonas." This cryptic statement, further explained in the very next verse, refers to His own death, burial, and resurrection after three days and three nights, mirroring Jonah's three days and nights in the belly of the great fish (Jonah 1:17). The resurrection would be the ultimate, undeniable proof of His divine authority and identity, surpassing any other miracle.
  • Divine Judgment on Unbelief: Jesus' refusal to grant their requested sign serves as a form of divine judgment on their hardened hearts and persistent unbelief. They had sufficient evidence but chose to reject it.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "evil" is ponēra (πονηρά), which denotes something inherently bad, morally corrupt, or wicked. The term "adulterous" is moichalis (μοιχαλὶς), often used in the Old Testament to describe Israel's spiritual departure from God, depicting their idolatry and unfaithfulness as breaking their covenant marriage with Him. This highlights the severity of their spiritual condition in Jesus' eyes, not just their actions.

Reflection and Application

For believers today, Matthew 12:39 serves as a powerful reminder about the nature of our faith. Are we genuinely seeking God, or are we demanding specific proofs and experiences before we commit to Him? Jesus has already provided the ultimate sign—His resurrection—which stands as the cornerstone of Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial desire for spectacle and instead embrace a deep, abiding trust in God's revealed truth and the finished work of Christ.

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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

  • Matthew 16:4

    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.

  • 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.

  • Luke 11:32

    The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas [is] here.

  • Isaiah 57:3

    ¶ But draw near hither, ye sons of the sorceress, the seed of the adulterer and the whore.

  • James 4:4

    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.

  • Mark 8:38

    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.
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