Devine Scripture

Matthew 12:38

What does Matthew 12:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 12:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 12:38 means

Certain scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign. Their request suggests skepticism and demands for proof on their terms. It reveals a hardened, inquisitive spirit seeking sensational confirmation rather than humble reception of the signs already given. Jesus will respond by denouncing their generation as evil and adulterous for seeking signs and by offering only the sign of Jonah—the sign pointing to his death, burial, and resurrection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees, hearing this, said to him, Master, we are looking for a sign from you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then answered certain of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, `Teacher, we will to see a sign from thee.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying: Master, we would see a sign from thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then answered him some of the scribes and Pharisees, saying, Teacher, we desire to see a sign from thee.

Context

This interaction follows Jesus’ teaching on speech and judgment. The Pharisees’ demand for a sign escalates their opposition into a test of God. Jesus’ reply will refuse their sign-seeking and reframe the issue in terms of repentance and the ultimate sign—the Son of man’s coming vindication.

v.37For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

v.38This passage

v.39But 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:

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 2:18

    The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

  • 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:

  • Luke 11:16

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

  • Luke 11:29

    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.

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