Matthew 12:38-40
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These religious leaders, after witnessing Jesus cast out demons, demand a "sign." They aren't just asking for a miracle; they're implicitly rejecting the very miracles they’ve already seen as insufficient proof, revealing a deeper, malicious intent to test and silence Him rather than truly seek truth.
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. For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just delivered a powerful rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees after healing a demon-possessed man, calling them an "evil and adulterous generation." In response, they shift tactics, demanding that he perform a supernatural sign to prove his authority, essentially challenging him to produce undeniable proof of his divine mission. This demand, fueled by skepticism and a desire to trap him, sets the stage for Jesus to confront their unbelief directly and speak of the only sign they will be given.
When Jesus's opponents ask for a sign, it sounds like a genuine desire for proof. But was that really their heart's motive?
The scribes and Pharisees approach Jesus with a seemingly reasonable request: "Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you." They frame it as a need for confirmation, a way to believe.
However, the context reveals a different story. Jesus had just performed a powerful miracle, casting out a demon from a man who was mute and blind. Instead of rejoicing, these religious leaders twisted the event, attributing Jesus's power to Beelzebul (Matthew 12:24).
Their demand for another sign isn't a sincere quest for truth, but a trap. It's a way to invalidate Jesus, to say, "What you've already done isn't enough, and whatever you do next, we'll find a way to dismiss it." Their hearts were closed, not open, to genuine revelation.
They asked for 'a sign from you,' but what did they really mean? The subtle wording hints at a deeper skepticism.
The request, "we wish to see a sign from you," is intentionally vague. While it might sound like they want Jesus to personally demonstrate His authority, some scholars suggest they were implicitly asking for a sign from heaven.
They were likely thinking of Old Testament prophets like Moses, who brought undeniable signs directly from God – like manna raining down or thunder and lightning from Mount Sinai. They wanted a celestial event, something so spectacular and unambiguous that no one could attribute it to demonic power.
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This subtle distinction reveals their unwillingness to accept the signs Jesus had already performed. They weren't looking for any miracle, but a very specific kind of miracle that fit their preconceived notions of divine power, a power they didn't believe Jesus truly possessed.
Jesus recognized their demand for a sign wasn't about finding truth, but about finding fault. His response was a stark warning.
Jesus saw straight through their request. He knew they weren't truly seeking evidence; they were driven by pride, deep-seated doubt, and a malicious intent to trap Him.
He declares them an "evil and adulterous generation" (Matthew 12:39). This isn't just a casual rebuke; it's a profound spiritual diagnosis. 'Adulterous' here speaks to their spiritual unfaithfulness – their hearts had wandered away from God, even while they claimed to follow Him.
Because their hearts were hardened and their motives impure, no sign, no matter how spectacular, would truly convince them. Jesus's response isn't to perform the sign they demanded, but to pronounce judgment and point them to the ultimate sign: His own death and resurrection, the sign of Jonah.
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.
huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun phrase
A title Jesus used for Himself, rooted in Daniel 7:13-14, which emphasizes both His humanity and His divine authority as the Messiah and future judge.
The Pharisees and scribes' demand for a 'sign' wasn't a genuine quest for truth, but a malicious attempt to trap Jesus. They ignored the numerous miracles already performed, showing their hearts were hardened against him, much like previous generations who tested God in the wilderness.
Late 1st century BC - Early 1st century AD
Roman Influence in Judea
Judea is under Roman control, with client kings like Herod the Great ruling. This political climate creates tension and expectation for a Messiah who might liberate Israel.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering followers. His growing popularity and claims to authority challenge the established religious leadership.
c. AD 30
Jesus Clears the Temple
Jesus drives out money changers and merchants from the Jerusalem Temple, an act of prophetic authority that deeply offends the religious elite.
c. AD 30— this verse
Pharisees and Scribes Seek a Sign
Following Jesus' strong rebuke and his demonstration of authority (e.g., healing a man with a withered hand), religious leaders demand a miraculous sign to validate his claims.
c. AD 30
Jesus Declares the Sign of Jonah
Jesus refuses their demand for a sign that satisfies their skepticism, instead pointing to his future death and resurrection as the ultimate sign.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Growing Opposition
Jesus continues his ministry, but the opposition from the religious establishment intensifies, leading to his eventual arrest and crucifixion.
This passage shows God inviting King Ahaz to ask for a sign from God to prove the coming judgment, highlighting the contrast with the Pharisees' demand which stems from unbelief rather than a genuine desire for confirmation.
John 6:30Here, the crowd also asks Jesus for a sign, similar to the Pharisees, revealing a recurring theme of people seeking miraculous validation rather than spiritual truth.
Luke 11:29This parallel account in Luke explicitly states the Pharisees were seeking a sign, and Jesus calls them an evil and adulterous generation, echoing the critical tone of His response in Matthew.
1 Corinthians 1:22Paul describes how Jews demand signs as a condition for belief, directly addressing the mindset of those who, like the Pharisees, focus on miraculous displays over the message of the cross.
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,…
These religious leaders, after witnessing Jesus cast out demons, demand a "sign." They aren't just asking for a miracle; they're implicitly rejecting the very miracles they’ve already seen as insufficient proof, revealing a deeper, malicious intent to test and silence Him rather than truly seek truth.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees after healing a demon-possessed man, calling them an "evil and adulterous generation." In response, they shift tactics, demanding that he perform a supernatural sign to prove his authority, essentially challenging him to produce undeniable proof of his divine mission. This demand, fueled by skepticism and a desire to trap him, sets the stage for Jesus to confront their unbelief directly and speak of the only sign they will be given.
Jesus has just delivered a powerful rebuke to the scribes and Pharisees after healing a demon-possessed man, calling them an "evil and adulterous generation." In response, they shift tactics, demanding that he perform a supernatural sign to prove his authority, essentially challenging him to produce undeniable proof of his divine mission. This demand, fueled by skepticism and a desire to trap him, sets the stage for Jesus to confront their unbelief directly and speak of the only sign they will be given.
"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…" — These religious leaders, after witnessing Jesus cast out demons, demand a "sign." They aren't just asking for a miracle; they're implicitly rejecting the very miracles they’ve already seen as insuffi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
