Matthew 16:1

¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

The Pharisees {G5330} also {G2532} with the Sadducees {G4523} came {G4334}, and {G2532} tempting {G3985} desired {G1905} him {G846} that he would shew {G1925} them {G846} a sign {G4592} from {G1537} heaven {G3772}.

Then some P'rushim and Tz'dukim came to trap Yeshua by asking him to show them a miraculous sign from Heaven.

Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven.

And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

Commentary

Matthew 16:1 (KJV)

¶ The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

Commentary

This verse describes a significant encounter where two often opposing Jewish groups, the Pharisees and the Sadducees, unite in their challenge to Jesus.

  • Historical and Cultural Context: The Pharisees were a strict religious group known for their adherence to the Law and oral traditions. The Sadducees were aristocratic priests, more politically aligned with Rome, who rejected the oral law and beliefs like resurrection. Their alliance here highlights their shared opposition to Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their authority and established order.
  • Key Themes and Messages: The central theme is the demand for proof on their terms and their skeptical, testing attitude towards Jesus. They had witnessed or heard of numerous miracles (healing, feeding the crowds), but they demanded a specific, undeniable "sign from heaven" – perhaps something cosmic or spectacular, beyond earthly signs. This reveals their unwillingness to accept the evidence already presented.
  • Linguistic Insights: The word translated "tempting" (Greek: peirazontes) means to test, try, or put to the proof, often with the intent to find fault or ensnare. They weren't genuinely seeking understanding; they were challenging Jesus, hoping He would fail to produce the sign or say something they could use against Him.
  • Cross-references: Jesus' response to this demand for a sign is recorded in the following verses (Matthew 16:2-4). Similar demands are found elsewhere (Mark 8:11-12, John 6:30).
  • Practical Application: This passage reminds us that true faith is not based on demanding specific proofs designed to suit our skepticism, but on responding to the evidence God has already provided and trusting in Him.
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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

  • Luke 11:16

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

  • Matthew 16:6

    Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

  • Acts 4:1

    ¶ And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

  • Mark 8:11

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

  • Mark 8:21

    And he said unto them, How is it that ye do not understand?

  • 1 Corinthians 1:22

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

  • John 8:6

    This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with [his] finger wrote on the ground, [as though he heard them not].
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