Devine Scripture

Luke 11:16

What does Luke 11:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 11:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 11:16 means

Beyond outright accusation, others present at the event sought to test Jesus. They demanded a "sign from heaven," implying that His current miracles, though impressive, were insufficient or suspect. They wanted a visible, undeniable divine display, perhaps something like fire from heaven, to prove His authority, indicating their demand for a sign on their own terms rather than accepting the evidence before them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And others, trying him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And others, trying him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And others, testing him, were looking for a sign from heaven from him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and others, tempting, a sign out of heaven from him were asking.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse highlights another facet of the opposition to Jesus, distinct from the direct accusation of Beelzebub. It shows a desire for a particular kind of sign, revealing skepticism and a wish to dictate the terms of divine revelation. This demand is intertwined with the previous accusation and forms part of the context for Jesus' extensive response regarding the nature of spiritual authority and the coming of God's kingdom.

v.15But some of them said, By Beelzebub the prince of the demons casteth he out demons.

v.16This passage

v.17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 16:1

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

  • John 6:30

    They said therefore unto him, What then doest thou for a sign, that we may see, and believe thee? what workest thou?

  • 1 Corinthians 1:22

    Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and 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, trying him.

  • Matthew 12:38

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

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