Devine Scripture

Matthew 16:2

What does Matthew 16:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 16:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 16:2 means

Jesus responds to their demand for a sign by highlighting their ability to interpret natural phenomena, specifically weather patterns. He points out that they are skilled in reading the signs of the sky to predict fair weather when the evening sky is red. This observation serves as a direct contrast to their inability to discern spiritual truths. Jesus implies that if they can understand the natural world, they should be even more capable of understanding the spiritual realities unfolding before them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But he answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the heaven is red.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But he answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the heaven is red.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But in answer he said to them, At nightfall you say, The weather will be good, for the sky is red.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he answering said to them, `Evening having come, ye say, Fair weather, for the heaven is red,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But he answered and said to them: When it is evening, you say, It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he answering said to them, When evening is come, ye say, Fine weather, for the sky is red;

Context

This verse directly continues Jesus' response to the Pharisees and Sadducees' demand for a sign. It introduces the theme of discerning 'signs,' which Jesus will immediately expand upon. This comparison of natural and spiritual discernment is essential for understanding His rebuke in the following verses, where He condemns their spiritual blindness despite their physical perception.

v.1And the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and trying him asked him to show them a sign from heaven.

v.2This passage

v.3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to-day: for the heaven is red and lowering. Ye know how to discern the face of the heaven; but ye cannot discern the signs of the times.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 12:54

    And he said to the multitudes also, When ye see a cloud rising in the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it cometh to pass.

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