Luke 11:30
For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐγένετο
was
G1096
ἐγένετο
was
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 17
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
5 of 17
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Νινευίταις
unto the Ninevites
G3536
Νινευίταις
unto the Ninevites
Strong's:
G3536
Word #:
7 of 17
a ninevite, i.e., inhabitant of nineveh
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
12 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The book of Jonah was well-known in Second Temple Judaism, often interpreted as depicting God's mercy toward Gentile repentance. Jesus's use of Jonah as a type prefiguring himself would shock his audience—comparing himself to the reluctant, rebellious prophet while commending Gentile Ninevites. This foreshadows the gospel going to Gentiles when Israel largely rejects it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'sign of Jonah' (death and resurrection) surpass all other miracles as validation of Christ's identity?
- What does Jesus's choice of a Gentile city (Nineveh) as an example of repentance reveal about Israel's unbelief?
- Why might the greatest sign (resurrection) still fail to convince those determined not to believe?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation (καθὼς γὰρ ἐγένετο Ἰωνᾶς τοῖς Νινευΐταις σημεῖον, οὕτως ἔσται καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου)—the comparative structure establishes typological correspondence between Jonah and Jesus. Jonah became a sēmeion (sign) to Nineveh through his three-day entombment in the fish followed by emergence to proclaim judgment. Jesus identifies as the Son of man (Daniel 7:13-14). The 'sign' isn't another miracle but Jesus's death, burial, resurrection—ultimate validation of messianic identity.
Matthew's parallel explicitly states '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' (Matthew 12:40). Yet this 'evil generation' will reject even resurrection testimony.