King James Version

What Does Matthew 12:39 Mean?

Matthew 12:39 in the King James Version says “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be g... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Matthew 12:39 · KJV


Context

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.

41

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'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.' Jesus refuses their demand, calling them 'evil and adulterous generation' (γενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλίς/genea ponēra kai moichalis). The phrase 'adulterous' metaphorically describes spiritual unfaithfulness—Israel was God's bride (Hosea 1-3), now unfaithful through unbelief and rejection of Messiah. Reformed theology sees 'sign-seeking' as symptom of evil: demanding proof while rejecting evidence reveals hardened hearts. Jesus promises only one sign: 'sign of prophet Jonas' (τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου/to sēmeion Iōna tou prophētou)—explained in v.40 as death and resurrection. This is ultimate sign: resurrection validates Christ's claims definitively. Yet many rejected even this (Matthew 28:11-15). The verse warns: those demanding signs often reject them when given. It also shows Jesus's authority: He doesn't submit to their demands but determines what evidence He'll provide.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Calling Israel 'adulterous generation' has Old Testament roots: prophets consistently used marriage/adultery imagery for covenant relationship. Hosea married prostitute symbolizing Israel's spiritual adultery (Hosea 1-3). Jeremiah accused Judah of adultery (Jeremiah 3:6-10). Ezekiel 16 and 23 contain extended metaphors of Jerusalem/Samaria as unfaithful wives. Jesus applies this to His generation: despite covenant relationship, they rejected Messiah. The request for sign echoes Numbers 14:11: 'How long...will they not believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?' Same pattern: abundant evidence rejected, more signs demanded. Jonah's sign would be Jesus's three days in heart of earth (death/burial) followed by resurrection—ultimate vindication. Yet even resurrection was rejected by authorities (Matthew 28:11-15). Paul later writes: Jews demand signs, Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:22-23)—gospel offense to both groups. Church history confirms: resurrection is sufficient sign for those with eyes to see, insufficient for hardened hearts.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'adulterous generation' metaphor teach about the seriousness of spiritual unfaithfulness and rejection of Christ?
  2. Why is resurrection the ultimate sign—what makes it sufficient evidence for those willing to believe?
  3. How do you avoid the pattern of demanding more evidence while dismissing what God has already revealed?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
1 of 23
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 23

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποκριθεὶς3 of 23

he 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)

εἶπεν4 of 23

and said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῇ5 of 23

to 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

Γενεὰ6 of 23

generation

G1074

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

πονηρὰ7 of 23

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

καὶ8 of 23

and

G2532

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

μοιχαλὶς9 of 23

adulterous

G3428

an adulteress (literally or figuratively)

σημεῖον10 of 23

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐπιζητεῖ11 of 23

seeketh after

G1934

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

καὶ12 of 23

and

G2532

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

σημεῖον13 of 23

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

οὐ14 of 23

there shall no

G3756

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

δοθήσεται15 of 23

be given

G1325

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

αὐτῇ16 of 23

to 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

εἰ17 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ18 of 23
G3361

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

τὸ19 of 23
G3588

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

σημεῖον20 of 23

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

Ἰωνᾶ21 of 23

Jonas

G2495

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

τοῦ22 of 23
G3588

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

προφήτου23 of 23

of 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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 12:39 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 12:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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