Luke 11:29
And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
Original Language Analysis
Τῶν
G3588
Τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄχλων
when the people
G3793
ὄχλων
when the people
Strong's:
G3793
Word #:
3 of 25
a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people; figuratively, a riot
λέγειν
to say
G3004
λέγειν
to say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεὰ
generation
G1074
γενεὰ
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
8 of 25
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
αὕτη
This
G3778
αὕτη
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
9 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
πονηρά
an evil
G4190
πονηρά
an evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
10 of 25
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
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
12 of 25
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐπιζητεῖ,
they seek
G1934
ἐπιζητεῖ,
they seek
Strong's:
G1934
Word #:
13 of 25
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
15 of 25
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
δοθήσεται
be given
G1325
δοθήσεται
be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
17 of 25
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτῇ
it
G846
αὐτῇ
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 of 25
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
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
20 of 25
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
22 of 25
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
Cross References
Luke 11:16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.1 Corinthians 1:22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:Luke 12:1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism expected spectacular signs to authenticate Messiah. Jesus's ministry challenged expectations by emphasizing humble service, suffering, spiritual transformation over political liberation and supernatural spectacle. The scribes and Pharisees' demand for signs reflected their rejection of Jesus's messianic credentials despite overwhelming evidence.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs' do you demand from God before trusting him fully—how might sign-seeking reveal deeper control issues?
- How does Jesus's refusal to perform on demand challenge contemporary expectations for constant experiential validation of faith?
- In what ways might seeking miraculous signs distract from the greater sign of Christ's death and resurrection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet (Γενεὰ πονηρά ἐστιν· σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ)—Jesus pronounces this generation ponēra (evil, morally corrupt) for persistent epizēteō (sign-seeking). Despite witnessing miracles, they demand more authenticating wonders. The 'sign of Jonah' is deliberately cryptic, pointing to Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection.
This refusal confronts human tendency to demand God prove himself on our terms. True faith trusts God's self-revelation in Scripture and Christ without requiring constant miraculous validation. A generation witnessing Jesus's compassion, teaching, healings, exorcisms yet demanding 'a sign from heaven' demonstrates willful unbelief no evidence can overcome.