King James Version

What Does John 2:18 Mean?

John 2:18 in the King James Version says “Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? — study this verse from John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

John 2:18 · KJV


Context

16

And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

17

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

18

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

19

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

20

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Jews demand a sign authenticating Jesus' authority: 'What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?' They acknowledge His bold action requires authorization—who gave Him right to disrupt temple commerce? Their demand for signs reflects both legitimate concern and deeper unbelief. Jesus doesn't need external authentication; His actions themselves carry prophetic authority.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The temple was under the Sadducean high priests' control. Jesus' actions challenged their authority and income. Demanding signs was common (1 Corinthians 1:22)—Jews sought validating miracles. Jesus would provide the ultimate sign—His resurrection—but not on their terms or timeline.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why do people demand signs before believing, and how should we respond to such demands?
  2. What is the relationship between signs and faith in Jesus' ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀπεκρίθησαν1 of 14

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

οὖν2 of 14

Then

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

οἱ3 of 14
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαῖοι4 of 14

the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ5 of 14

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπον6 of 14

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ7 of 14

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τί8 of 14

What

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

σημεῖον9 of 14

sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

δεικνύεις10 of 14

shewest thou

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

ἡμῖν11 of 14

unto us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

ὅτι12 of 14

seeing that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ταῦτα13 of 14

these things

G5023

these things

ποιεῖς14 of 14

thou doest

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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