Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 12:38

"Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, Teacher, we would see a sign from thee." — Matthew 12:38 (ASV)

The Jewish leaders addressed Jesus respectfully (“Teacher”) and asked for a “sign,” not just for another miracle. A “sign” (GK 4956) was usually some miraculous token to be fulfilled quickly or at once, in order to confirm a prophecy. The Jews were not asking for just another miracle, since they had already persuaded themselves that at least some of those Jesus had performed were of demonic agency (12:24); they were asking for a “sign” performed on command to remove what seemed to them to be the ambiguity of Jesus’ miracles.