Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Their request for a "sign from you" is not a genuine plea for truth, but a veiled attempt to trap Jesus by dismissing the undeniable miracles they'd already witnessed. They're essentially saying, "Those signs don't count because they could be from the devil, not God," demanding something so extraordinary it leaves no room for doubt.
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just healed a man who was demon-possessed and blind, but the scribes and Pharisees, instead of seeing God's power, accused Him of working through demonic forces. In response, Jesus directly confronts their wicked hearts and pronounces judgment on their generation. They then demand a supernatural "sign" from Him as proof of His authority, suggesting they haven't been convinced by His previous miracles.
The Pharisees and scribes ask Jesus for a sign. Was this a genuine desire for truth, or something else entirely?
When the scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus for a sign, they aren't just innocently curious. The text reveals their request is often driven by:
Jesus calls their request an 'evil and adulterous generation seeking a sign.' What makes their desire so offensive to Him?
Jesus’ response cuts straight to the heart of their request. He doesn't see it as a neutral inquiry but as a symptom of a deeper spiritual problem:
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Understand the original words
grammateus · Greek Noun
Professional interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic Law; they were experts in the Torah and often clashed with Jesus over His authority and interpretation of the Scriptures.
Pharisaioi · Greek Noun
A Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the oral and written law; they were often characterized by legalism and opposition to Jesus' ministry.
sēmeion · Greek Noun
An outward display or miracle intended to provide authentication or evidence of divine authority or a message from God.
This encounter reveals a deep spiritual blindness among some religious leaders. Despite witnessing numerous powerful miracles, they demanded yet another sign, not out of genuine seeking, but out of malice and a desire to trap Jesus, failing to recognize the divine power already displayed before them.
c. 20 BC - AD 10
Jesus' Early Life and Ministry Begins
Jesus grows up in Nazareth and begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and performing miracles. His actions begin to attract attention and challenge the religious establishment.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry Gains Momentum
Jesus' fame spreads as he performs numerous miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons. This draws larger crowds but also intensifies the scrutiny of religious leaders.
c. AD 30— this verse
Confrontation over Blasphemy
Following Jesus' healing of a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees accuse him of casting out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons. Jesus responds by explaining the illogical nature of their accusation and warns them about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit.
c. AD 30
Demand for a Sign
In response to Jesus' powerful rebukes and explanations, some scribes and Pharisees demand a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority. They are not satisfied with the miracles they have already witnessed.
c. AD 30
Jesus Denounces the Pharisees
Jesus calls the Pharisees an "evil and adulterous generation" and declares that no sign will be given them except the sign of Jonah, referring to his own death and resurrection.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Warning about the Unclean Spirit
Jesus illustrates the danger of spiritual relapse using the parable of an unclean spirit returning to a cleansed house, emphasizing the need for continued faith and obedience.
This passage shows a similar demand for a sign, where God offers to provide one, but emphasizes that genuine faith doesn't always require a dramatic, supernatural event to be convinced.
Luke 11:16This parallel account highlights the 'tempting' nature of the Pharisees' request, showing their underlying doubt and malicious intent rather than a sincere desire for truth.
John 6:30Here, the crowd also asks Jesus for a sign, showing a pattern of people seeking outward proofs rather than believing in His word and the miracles already performed.
1 Corinthians 1:22This passage contrasts the Jewish desire for signs with the Christian focus on the cross, showing how signs can be a stumbling block to faith when sought for the wrong reasons.
clarkeMatthew 12:38: "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee."
We would see a sign from thee - That is, we wish now to see thee work a miracle. Pride, vain curiosity, and incredulity, have never proof sufficient of the truth: for they will not be satisfied.
barnesMatthew 12:38: "Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee."
We would see a sign from thee - See Luke 11:16 , Luke 11:29-32 . A "sign" commonly signifies a miracle - that is, a sign that God was with the person or had sent him. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:11 . Luke adds that this was done "tempting him;" that is, trying him, doubting if he had the power to do it. If these persons had been present with him for any considerable time,…
Their request for a "sign from you" is not a genuine plea for truth, but a veiled attempt to trap Jesus by dismissing the undeniable miracles they'd already witnessed. They're essentially saying, "Those signs don't count because they could be from the devil, not God," demanding something so extraordinary it leaves no room for doubt.
Jesus has just healed a man who was demon-possessed and blind, but the scribes and Pharisees, instead of seeing God's power, accused Him of working through demonic forces. In response, Jesus directly confronts their wicked hearts and pronounces judgment on their generation. They then demand a supernatural "sign" from Him as proof of His authority, suggesting they haven't been convinced by His previous miracles.
Jesus has just healed a man who was demon-possessed and blind, but the scribes and Pharisees, instead of seeing God's power, accused Him of working through demonic forces. In response, Jesus directly confronts their wicked hearts and pronounces judgment on their generation. They then demand a supernatural "sign" from Him as proof of His authority, suggesting they haven't been convinced by His previous miracles.
"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.”" — Their request for a "sign from you" is not a genuine plea for truth, but a veiled attempt to trap Jesus by dismissing the undeniable miracles they'd already witnessed. They're essentially saying, "Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026