Matthew 12:38-39
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When they demand a "sign," they aren't just asking for a miracle; they're questioning if Jesus' power comes from God or some darker source, implying his previous miracles, like casting out demons, weren't convincing enough. This request reveals their deep-seated skepticism, not a genuine openness to belief.
Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, yet the religious leaders twist this miracle into an accusation, claiming he works by the power of Satan. In response to their malicious accusations and their demand for a sign, Jesus rebukes them sharply, calling them an evil and adulterous generation. They then press further, insisting that they want to see a sign from him as proof of his divine authority.
The Pharisees and scribes approach Jesus with a request that sounds reasonable on the surface: 'Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.' But what was really behind this demand?
This wasn't just a neutral request for more information. The scholars understood Jesus' miracles as potential 'signs' pointing to his divine authority. However, their hearts weren't open to receiving the truth.
A Test, Not a Request
Commentators point out this was a deliberate 'temptation' – a trap meant to test Jesus and possibly discredit him if he failed to meet their specific, and perhaps impossible, demands.
Unwillingness to See
They had already witnessed numerous miracles, including Jesus casting out demons. Instead of seeing God's power, they attributed it to demonic forces. Their demand for another sign, especially one 'from heaven' (as some accounts suggest), reveals an unwillingness to believe what was right in front of them. It was a smoke screen for their unbelief.
Jesus’ response to the Pharisees is famously sharp. He doesn't play their game of demanding more supernatural spectacles. Why did he refuse their request and what was the 'sign' he did offer?
Jesus recognized their demand was not for genuine understanding but for a way to silence him. He knew that even if he performed another miracle, they would likely reject it or find another excuse.
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The Sign of Jonah
Jesus points them to the 'sign of the Prophet Jonah.' This wasn't just any miracle, but a profound prophetic sign pointing to his own death and resurrection.
A Definitive Revelation
Just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and nights, Jesus would be in the heart of the earth. This event would be the ultimate, undeniable confirmation of his identity and mission – a sign that separated true believers from those who, like the Pharisees, clung to their unbelief.
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.
ponēros · Greek Adjective
Morally corrupt or wicked in nature; it describes a state of being that is opposed to God's character and will.
moichalis · Greek Adjective
Often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe unfaithfulness to God, particularly when His people pursue idols or turn away from their covenant relationship with Him.
The demand for a 'sign from you' by the scribes and Pharisees wasn't just a casual request for proof; it was a loaded challenge rooted in generations of expectation for divine intervention and prophetic signs. They were implicitly comparing Jesus to figures like Moses, demanding a spectacle that would leave no room for doubt, while simultaneously dismissing the very miracles he had already performed as insufficient or even demonic.
c. 7th century BC
Prophetic Reforms
Following periods of unfaithfulness, prophets like Jeremiah called for repentance and a return to God's covenant. Their message often included warnings and calls for genuine signs of obedience, not just outward displays.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, and the exile of many Judeans to Babylon, was seen by many as a sign of God's judgment. This event deeply shaped Jewish identity and expectations for future signs of deliverance.
c. 1st century AD
Messianic Expectations Rise
The period leading up to Jesus' ministry was marked by fervent expectation of a Messiah who would deliver Israel. Many looked for signs and wonders that would confirm the arrival of this promised king.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry and Miracles
Jesus performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick and casting out demons, demonstrating his authority. These acts were intended as signs of the Kingdom of God breaking in.
c. AD 30
Demand for a Sign from Heaven
In response to Jesus' teachings and miracles, some religious leaders demanded a miraculous sign from heaven, questioning his authority and divine commission. This demand reflects a deep-seated skepticism and a desire to trap Jesus.
This passage shows a similar demand from the crowd, asking Jesus for a sign, highlighting the persistent skepticism and the desire for undeniable proof even after witnessing miracles.
1 Corinthians 1:22This verse speaks to the 'sign' that the Jews sought, contrasting it with the 'power of God' that Paul preached, revealing the fundamental difference in what each group valued and understood.
Isaiah 7:11This Old Testament passage shows King Ahaz being challenged by God to ask for a sign, demonstrating that the request for a sign, especially when made with doubt, can be a test of faith or a sign of disbelief.
Matthew 16:1-4Here, Jesus is again asked by the Pharisees and Sadducees for a sign, and he rebukes them for their lack of faith, showing this was a recurring pattern of demand and his response of frustration.
Luke 11:29-32This parallel account emphasizes that Jesus saw their demand as a desire to 'test' him and points to the 'sign of Jonah' as the only sign to be given, revealing Jesus' perspective on the superficiality of their request.
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,…
When they demand a "sign," they aren't just asking for a miracle; they're questioning if Jesus' power comes from God or some darker source, implying his previous miracles, like casting out demons, weren't convincing enough. This request reveals their deep-seated skepticism, not a genuine openness to belief.
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, yet the religious leaders twist this miracle into an accusation, claiming he works by the power of Satan. In response to their malicious accusations and their demand for a sign, Jesus rebukes them sharply, calling them an evil and adulterous generation. They then press further, insisting that they want to see a sign from him as proof of his divine authority.
Jesus has just healed a man possessed by a demon, yet the religious leaders twist this miracle into an accusation, claiming he works by the power of Satan. In response to their malicious accusations and their demand for a sign, Jesus rebukes them sharply, calling them an evil and adulterous generation. They then press further, insisting that they want to see a sign from him as proof of his divine authority.
"Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you.” But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the proph…" — When they demand a "sign," they aren't just asking for a miracle; they're questioning if Jesus' power comes from God or some darker source, implying his previous miracles, like casting out demons, we…
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Last reviewed October 2026
