King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:38 Mean?

Matthew 12:38 in the King James Version says “Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.”

Matthew 12:38 · KJV

Context

36

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

38

Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

39

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

40

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.' Despite witnessing countless miracles, scribes and Pharisees demand 'a sign' (σημεῖον/sēmeion)—validating miracle. The word 'Master' (Διδάσκαλε/Didaskale, teacher) feigns respect while hearts remain hostile. Reformed theology recognizes this pattern: unbelief demands more evidence while rejecting already-given evidence. They'd witnessed healings, exorcisms, nature miracles—yet want additional sign. This demonstrates problem isn't insufficient evidence but hardened hearts. Jesus's response (v.39-40) rebukes them: only sign they'll receive is Jonah's sign (death and resurrection). The request reveals several errors: (1) Demanding God prove Himself on their terms; (2) Ignoring already-given evidence; (3) Assuming more evidence would produce faith when hearts are hardened. The pattern continues: skeptics demand proof while dismissing existing evidence. Faith doesn't come from irrefutable proof but from humble receptivity to available evidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Scribes and Pharisees represented religious establishment—trained in Torah, respected as authorities. Their demand for sign echoes Israel's wilderness pattern: despite witnessing plagues, Red Sea crossing, manna, cloud/fire, they repeatedly demanded signs (Exodus 17:2-7, Numbers 14:11, 22). Jesus had already performed numerous miracles throughout Galilee: healings, exorcisms, feeding multitudes, nature miracles. Yet they wanted different kind of sign—perhaps celestial phenomenon (Joshua's long day, Hezekiah's sundial reversal) or unmistakable divine voice. Their demand was both unbelieving (rejecting existing evidence) and presumptuous (dictating terms to God). Similar pattern appears in John 6:30: after feeding 5000, crowd asks 'What sign showest thou?' Jesus identifies this as evil generation (v.39)—characterizing entire attitude as wicked. Early church faced similar demands: pagans wanted spectacular proof; gnostics demanded special knowledge. But gospel centers on cross and resurrection—offensive to human pride, requiring humble faith. Throughout history, apologetics provides reasons for faith, but no amount of evidence compels belief without Spirit's work.

Reflection Questions

  1. When do legitimate questions about faith become illegitimate demands for God to prove Himself on your terms?
  2. Why doesn't more evidence automatically produce faith—what's the relationship between evidence and belief?
  3. How do you respond when skeptics dismiss existing evidence while demanding different kinds of proof?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Τότε1 of 14

“Then”

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἀπεκρίθησαν2 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)

τινες3 of 14

“certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν4 of 14
G3588

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

γραμματέων5 of 14

“of the scribes”

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ6 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

Φαρισαίων7 of 14

“of the Pharisees”

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

λέγοντες8 of 14

“saying”

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

Διδάσκαλε9 of 14

“Master”

G1320

an instructor (genitive case or specially)

θέλομεν10 of 14

“we would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἀπὸ11 of 14

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

σοῦ12 of 14

“thee”

G4675

of thee, thy

σημεῖον13 of 14

“a sign”

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἰδεῖν14 of 14

“see”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:38 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 Matthew 12:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:22Mark 8:11-12Luke 11:16John 2:18Luke 11:29John 4:48

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