King James Version

What Does Luke 11:29 Mean?

Luke 11:29 in the King James Version says “And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and the... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

Luke 11:29 · KJV


Context

27

And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

29

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

30

For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

31

The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet (Γενεὰ πονηρά ἐστιν· σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ)—Jesus pronounces this generation ponēra (evil, morally corrupt) for persistent epizēteō (sign-seeking). Despite witnessing miracles, they demand more authenticating wonders. The 'sign of Jonah' is deliberately cryptic, pointing to Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection.

This refusal confronts human tendency to demand God prove himself on our terms. True faith trusts God's self-revelation in Scripture and Christ without requiring constant miraculous validation. A generation witnessing Jesus's compassion, teaching, healings, exorcisms yet demanding 'a sign from heaven' demonstrates willful unbelief no evidence can overcome.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism expected spectacular signs to authenticate Messiah. Jesus's ministry challenged expectations by emphasizing humble service, suffering, spiritual transformation over political liberation and supernatural spectacle. The scribes and Pharisees' demand for signs reflected their rejection of Jesus's messianic credentials despite overwhelming evidence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'signs' do you demand from God before trusting him fully—how might sign-seeking reveal deeper control issues?
  2. How does Jesus's refusal to perform on demand challenge contemporary expectations for constant experiential validation of faith?
  3. In what ways might seeking miraculous signs distract from the greater sign of Christ's death and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Τῶν1 of 25
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 25

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ὄχλων3 of 25

when the people

G3793

a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot

ἐπαθροιζομένων4 of 25

were gathered thick together

G1865

to accumulate

ἤρξατο5 of 25

he began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

λέγειν6 of 25

to say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

7 of 25
G3588

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

γενεὰ8 of 25

generation

G1074

a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)

αὕτη9 of 25

This

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

πονηρά10 of 25

an evil

G4190

hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455

ἐστιν·11 of 25

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

σημεῖον12 of 25

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐπιζητεῖ,13 of 25

they seek

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

καὶ14 of 25

and

G2532

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

σημεῖον15 of 25

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

οὐ16 of 25

no

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δοθήσεται17 of 25

be given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτῇ18 of 25

it

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

εἰ19 of 25
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ20 of 25
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὸ21 of 25
G3588

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

σημεῖον22 of 25

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

Ἰωνᾶ23 of 25

of Jonas

G2495

jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites

τοῦ24 of 25
G3588

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

προφήτου·25 of 25

the prophet

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Luke 11:29 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 Luke 11:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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