Matthew 16:4

Translations

Modern

A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.

Traditional

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.

Literal

An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and a sign will not be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” And having left them, He went away.

Latin

Faciem ergo cæli dijudicare nostis: signa autem temporum non potestis scire? Generatio mala et adultera signum quærit: et signum non dabitur ei, nisi signum Jonæ prophetæ. Et relictis illis, abiit.

Original

Greek

English

A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.

Notes

Matthew 16:1–12

After being welcomed among the Gentiles (non-Jews), Jesus returned to his own people. There he faced rejection again.

Theme notes and profiles

The Pharisees The Sadducees The Stone the Builders Rejected

Events

Discourse with Pharisees and Saduceesc. AD 29

Related verses

Luke 11:29–30
As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.
Matthew 12:39–40
Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Jonah 1:17
Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish.
Mark 8:38
If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
Mark 8:12
Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Matthew 15:14
Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”
Mark 5:17–18
And the people began to beg Jesus to leave their region.
Genesis 6:3
So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.”
Hosea 4:17
Ephraim is joined to idols; leave him alone!
Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Hosea 9:12
Even if they raise their children, I will bereave them of each one. Yes, woe be to them when I turn away from them!
Acts 2:40
With many other words he testified, and he urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.”

Parallels

Mark 8:11–13 Luke 12:54–56

People

Jonah: Prophet swallowed by fish, preached to Nineveh

Glossary

Adultery Apothegm Faith Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ

Topics

Jesus, the Christ: Cautions his Disciples Against, the Leaven of Hypocrisy Jesus, the Christ: Death of Jesus, the Christ: Refuses to Give a Sign to the Pharisees (In the Region of Magdala) Jesus, the Christ: Resurrection of Jonah is a Sign Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Sign: A Miracle to Confirm Faith Sign: A Token of Coming Events Signs Symbols and Similitudes: Jonah Titles and Names of the Wicked: Wicked Generation

Matthew 16:4

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