King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:4 Mean?

Matthew 16:4 in the King James Version says “A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the p... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 16:4 · KJV


Context

2

He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3

And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4

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.

5

And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6

Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Γενεὰ1 of 22

generation

G1074

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

πονηρὰ2 of 22

A wicked

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

καὶ3 of 22

And

G2532

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

μοιχαλὶς4 of 22

adulterous

G3428

an adulteress (literally or figuratively)

σημεῖον5 of 22

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐπιζητεῖ6 of 22

seeketh after

G1934

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

καὶ7 of 22

And

G2532

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

σημεῖον8 of 22

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

οὐ9 of 22

there shall no

G3756

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

δοθήσεται10 of 22

be given

G1325

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

αὐτοὺς11 of 22

them

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

εἰ12 of 22
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ13 of 22
G3361

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

τὸ14 of 22
G3588

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

σημεῖον15 of 22

a sign

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

Ἰωνᾶ16 of 22

Jonas

G2495

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

τοῦ17 of 22
G3588

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

προφήτου18 of 22

of the prophet

G4396

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

καὶ19 of 22

And

G2532

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

καταλιπὼν20 of 22

he left

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

αὐτοὺς21 of 22

them

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

ἀπῆλθεν22 of 22

and departed

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively


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 16:4 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 16:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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