An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just refuse their demand for a sign; He calls them "adulterous." This isn't just about seeking supernatural proof, but about their unfaithfulness to God's covenant, treating Him like a spouse they're constantly straying from. They’re so fixated on earthly signs of power that they completely miss the spiritual reality of God’s presence and kingdom right in front of them.
An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Facing opposition from both Pharisees and Sadducees, who have united against him despite their differences, Jesus is challenged to perform a sign from heaven to prove his authority. He rebukes their hypocrisy, pointing out their ability to interpret weather signs but their blindness to the spiritual significance of his presence, before declaring that no sign will be given except that of Jonah, referring to his own resurrection. Jesus then departs from them, having seemingly given up on their ability to understand.
The religious leaders demanded a sign from heaven, but Jesus called them out for seeking something they wouldn't even recognize.
Jesus confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees because their demand for a sign isn't about genuine seeking. It’s a test, a trap. They’ve already seen countless miracles – healings, feedings, even Jesus walking on water – but these signs, pointing to His divine identity, are ignored.
The Hypocrisy of the Demand
Jesus highlights their hypocrisy by comparing their ability to predict weather based on natural signs with their inability to see the 'signs of the times' – Jesus Himself. Their hearts are closed, not their eyes. They’re looking for a spectacle that fits their preconceived notions, not the reality of God’s work right in front of them.
Jesus offers them 'the sign of Jonah,' a powerful prophecy pointing to His death and resurrection – the ultimate sign they refuse to accept.
The 'sign of Jonah' Jesus refers to isn't just a passing reference. It's a profound theological statement about His own fate and ultimate triumph.
A Sign of Death and Resurrection
Jonah was swallowed by a great fish for three days and three nights before being miraculously vomited back to life. Jesus applies this to Himself: He would be 'in the heart of the earth' (His death and burial) for three days and three nights, before His resurrection.
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A Sign of Judgment and Salvation
Jonah also preached repentance to the Gentile city of Nineveh, leading them to salvation. Jesus’ resurrection, the ultimate sign, would bring salvation not just to the Jews but to all who believe, a truth the religious leaders were resisting.
Jesus didn't just walk away; His departure was a deliberate act of judgment on their hardened hearts.
Jesus’ reaction to the Pharisees and Sadducees is not passive dismissal. When He 'left them and departed,' it was a profound statement. The scholars note His 'groaning in his spirit,' a deep sorrow and frustration at their obstinacy.
A Just Consequence
Their persistent, faithless demands, even after witnessing numerous signs, led Jesus to pronounce a verdict: no more signs would be given to this specific generation in response to their demands. Their rejection of the signs already given, and their refusal to understand the 'signs of the times,' sealed their fate.
The Severity of Rejection
This departure signifies a turning away, a righteous judgment. It’s a stark warning that willful ignorance and spiritual blindness have consequences. Jesus doesn't waste His miraculous power or divine presence on those who are determined not to see.
Understand the original words
ponēra · Greek Adjective
In a moral or spiritual sense, being opposed to God’s will, wicked, or morally corrupt. It often denotes a state of rebellion against the divine order.
moichalis · Greek Adjective
Used metaphorically to describe spiritual unfaithfulness to God. In the context of Israel's relationship with God, it signifies a people who have forsaken their covenant loyalty to follow idols or human traditions.
Iōna · Greek Noun
A reference to the prophet Jonah’s experience in the belly of the fish, which Jesus uses as a prophetic metaphor for his own death and resurrection on the third day.
Jesus’ refusal to provide a sign to the religious elite highlights their spiritual blindness. They are so focused on earthly power and signs from heaven that they miss the profound spiritual realities already present in Jesus’ ministry and embodied in the sign of Jonah – his death and resurrection, a testament to God's ultimate power over sin and death.
c. 786 BC
Jonah prophesies to Nineveh
The prophet Jonah is called by God to preach repentance to the great Assyrian city of Nineveh. His reluctant mission and subsequent experience inside a great fish serve as a prophetic sign pointing to future events.
c. 20 BC - AD 0
Roman rule in Judea intensifies
Judea is under direct Roman control, with a Roman governor and increasing taxation. This political pressure, coupled with religious and social unrest, creates a climate of expectation and tension for the Jewish people.
c. AD 25-27
John the Baptist preaches
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them. His ministry prepares the way for Jesus and signals a time of divine visitation.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' public ministry begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing miracles and teaching about the Kingdom of God. His actions and teachings challenge the religious authorities and attract large crowds.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus confronts religious leaders
Jesus engages in numerous confrontations with the Pharisees and Sadducees, often rebuking their hypocrisy and lack of faith. They repeatedly demand signs from him to validate his claims.
c. AD 33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
Jesus is crucified and, according to Christian belief, rises from the dead on the third day. This event becomes the ultimate sign of his identity and mission, fulfilling his prophecy.
This passage contains the initial telling of the 'sign of Jonah' by Jesus, directly linking the rejection of Him by His generation to the fate of Nineveh and the prophecy of His resurrection.
Luke 11:29This parallel account emphasizes Jesus' frustration with the crowd's demand for signs, highlighting their inability to recognize the 'signs of the times' despite clear evidence.
1 Corinthians 1:22This verse speaks to the Jewish people's demand for signs and the Greek emphasis on wisdom, framing the rejection of Jesus' message as a conflict between differing worldviews.
Jonah 3:4This passage shows Jonah's prophecy to Nineveh, a Gentile city that repented at his preaching, contrasting with the spiritual blindness of Jesus' own generation who rejected His message.
Hebrews 3:10This verse describes the Israelites' repeated testing of God in the wilderness, illustrating a historical pattern of stubbornness and refusal to enter God's rest, which echoes the attitude of Jesus' generation.
barnesMatthew 16:4: "A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed."
A wicked and adulterous generation ... - See the notes at Matthew 12:38-40 . Mark adds Mark 8:12 that he signed deeply in spirit. He did not say this without feeling; he was greatly affected with their perverseness and obstinacy.
calvinMatthew 16:1-4: "The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven."
- And the Pharisees, together with the Sadducees, came, and tempting desired that he would show them a sign from heaven. 2. But he answering said to them, About the commencement of the evening you say, It will be fine weather; for the sky is red. 3. And in the morning, There will be a storm today; for the sky is red and lowering. Hypocrites, you can judge aright of…
Jesus doesn't just refuse their demand for a sign; He calls them "adulterous." This isn't just about seeking supernatural proof, but about their unfaithfulness to God's covenant, treating Him like a spouse they're constantly straying from. They’re so fixated on earthly signs of power that they completely miss the spiritual reality of God’s presence and kingdom right in front of them.
Facing opposition from both Pharisees and Sadducees, who have united against him despite their differences, Jesus is challenged to perform a sign from heaven to prove his authority. He rebukes their hypocrisy, pointing out their ability to interpret weather signs but their blindness to the spiritual significance of his presence, before declaring that no sign will be given except that of Jonah, referring to his own resurrection. Jesus then departs from them, having seemingly given up on their ability to understand.
Facing opposition from both Pharisees and Sadducees, who have united against him despite their differences, Jesus is challenged to perform a sign from heaven to prove his authority. He rebukes their hypocrisy, pointing out their ability to interpret weather signs but their blindness to the spiritual significance of his presence, before declaring that no sign will be given except that of Jonah, referring to his own resurrection. Jesus then departs from them, having seemingly given up on their ability to understand.
"An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” So he left them and departed." — Jesus doesn't just refuse their demand for a sign; He calls them "adulterous." This isn't just about seeking supernatural proof, but about their unfaithfulness to God's covenant, treating Him like a…
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Last reviewed October 2026