Matthew 12:41

The Sign of Jonah · Matthew 12:38–42
Read Matthew 12

Translations

Modern
The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.
Traditional
The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Literal
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, One greater than Jonah is here.
Latin
Viri Ninivitæ surgent in judicio cum generatione ista, et condemnabunt eam: quia pœnitentiam egerunt in prædicatione Jonæ, et ecce plus quam Jonas hic.

Original

Greek
English
The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.

Notes

One greater: Jesus is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6), the prophet Jonah, and King Solomon. So, rejecting him brings more severe judgment on this "wicked and adulterous generation" (12:39).

The Pharisees, the teachers of religious law, and many people of his generation rejected the Messiah.

Events

Parallels

Jonah 3:1–10 Luke 11:29–32

People

Jonah: Prophet swallowed by fish, preached to Nineveh

Places

Nineveh: The capital of Assyria, known for its wickedness and repentance

Glossary

Book of Jonah Gospel of Matthew Jonas Miracle Nineveh, Ninevite Spirit of God

Topics

Conviction: At the Preaching of Jonah Jesus, the Christ: Perfections of not Classified Under Foregoing Topics Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Jesus, the Christ: Replies to the Scribes and Pharisees Who Seek a Sign from Him (In Galilee) Jonah: Brought Ninevites to Repentance Judgment: The General Nineveh: Inhabitants of, Repented at Jonah's Preaching Repentance: True: Nineveh Responsibility: According to Privilege