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An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah." He left them, and departed.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Heart Problem, Not an Evidence Problem
Commentators stress that Jesus calls the generation "evil and adulterous" because their demand for a sign came from a corrupt heart, not a genuine lack of evidence. They had already witnessed many miracles but, as Matthew Henry notes, they rejected those signs and pridefully demanded one of their own choosing. The issue was moral and spiritual rebellion against God.
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18th Century
Presbyterian
A wicked and adulterous generation, etc. (See Barnes on Matthew 12:38-40).
Mark adds (Mark 8:12) that he sighed dee…
Same words in 12:39 except του προφητου, a real doublet.
19th Century
Anglican
The sign of the prophet Jonah—See Note on Matthew 12:39. As given by St. Mark, the answer was a more absolute refusal: No sign…
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Baptist
It was not a lack of evidence, but the sad depravity of their minds, which caused them to seek a sign; therefore, the Lord would not satisfy their …
But if a definitive sign is demanded, none but the sign of Jonah will be given (see 12:38–42 for an exposition of the sign). Jesus then left his op…
16th Century
Protestant
A wicked and adulterous nation. This passage was explained426 under Matthew 12:38. The general meaning is, that the Jews are ne…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
A wicked and adulterous generation He says the same things here, as he did to the Pharisees on a like occasion, in (…
The Pharisees and Sadducees were opposed to each other in principles and in conduct; yet they joined against Christ. But they desired a sign of the…
13th Century
Catholic
Previously, the Lord demonstrated the sufficiency of the Gospel teaching, showing that it does not require legal observances and, furthermore, that…