Devine Scripture

Mark 8:12

What does Mark 8:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 8:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 8:12 means

Jesus responded with a deep sigh, expressing His profound sorrow and frustration over the spiritual hardness of His generation. He declared that no sign would be given to them. This refusal underscores that they had already witnessed ample evidence of His divine authority through His teaching and miracles, yet their hearts remained unreceptive and rebellious, demanding something more spectacular for their unbelief.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he was very sad in spirit, and said, Why is this generation looking for a sign? truly, I say to you, No sign will be given to this generation.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having sighed deeply in his spirit, he saith, `Why doth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And sighing deeply in spirit, he saith: Why doth this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, a sign shall not be given to this generation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And groaning in his spirit, he says, Why does this generation seek a sign? Verily I say unto you, A sign shall in no wise be given to this generation.

Context

This verse reveals Jesus' emotional response and definitive refusal to the Pharisees' demand. It directly follows their adversarial request for a sign and precedes Jesus' departure from them, highlighting His weariness with their persistent unbelief despite all they had seen and heard.

v.11And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, trying him.

v.12This passage

v.13And he left them, and again entering into the boat departed to the other side.

Cross references

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

  • John 11:33

    When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

  • John 12:37

    But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they believed not on him:

  • Luke 22:67

    If thou art the Christ, tell us. But he said unto them, If I tell you, ye will not believe:

  • Luke 19:41

    And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,

  • Mark 3:5

    And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored.

  • Isaiah 53:3

    He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hide their face he was despised; and we esteemed him not.

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