Mark Chapter 8 · Verse 12

Authorized King James Version

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And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀναστενάξας he sighed deeply G389
ἀναστενάξας he sighed deeply
Strong's: G389
Word #: 2 of 21
to sigh deeply
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 3 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματι spirit G4151
πνεύματι spirit
Strong's: G4151
Word #: 4 of 21
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
αὐτοῦ G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's: G846
Word #: 5 of 21
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
λέγω I say G3004
λέγω I say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 6 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Τί Why G5101
Τί Why
Strong's: G5101
Word #: 7 of 21
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἡ G3588
ἡ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεᾷ generation G1074
γενεᾷ generation
Strong's: G1074
Word #: 9 of 21
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
ταύτῃ this G3778
ταύτῃ this
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 10 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
σημεῖον a sign G4592
σημεῖον a sign
Strong's: G4592
Word #: 11 of 21
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐπιζητεῖ doth G1934
ἐπιζητεῖ doth
Strong's: G1934
Word #: 12 of 21
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
ἀμὴν verily G281
ἀμὴν verily
Strong's: G281
Word #: 13 of 21
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω I say G3004
λέγω I say
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 14 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὑμῖν unto you G5213
ὑμῖν unto you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 15 of 21
to (with or by) you
εἰ There shall no G1487
εἰ There shall no
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 16 of 21
if, whether, that, etc
δοθήσεται be given G1325
δοθήσεται be given
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 17 of 21
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενεᾷ generation G1074
γενεᾷ generation
Strong's: G1074
Word #: 19 of 21
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
ταύτῃ this G3778
ταύτῃ this
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 20 of 21
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
σημεῖον a sign G4592
σημεῖον a sign
Strong's: G4592
Word #: 21 of 21
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

Analysis & Commentary

He sighed deeply in his spirit (ἀναστενάξας τῷ πνεύματι, anastenaxas tō pneumati)—a profound groan from Jesus' innermost being, expressing grief over spiritual blindness. The compound verb emphasizes intensity—this isn't mild frustration but anguished sorrow. Jesus feels the tragic irony: the Son of God stands before them performing messianic signs, yet they demand more proof. His sigh reveals His true humanity—Jesus experiences emotional pain over hard hearts.

Why doth this generation seek after a sign?—'This generation' (ἡ γενεὰ αὕτη, hē genea hautē) becomes a technical term for Israel's unbelieving contemporaries who witness the kingdom yet reject it. Verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given—the strongest possible negation (εἰ δοθήσεται, ei dothēsetai, literally 'if a sign be given,' a Hebrew oath formula meaning 'absolutely not'). Matthew 12:39 clarifies the sole exception: 'the sign of Jonah'—Jesus' death and resurrection. The greatest sign wouldn't be celestial spectacle but the crucified and risen Lord.

Historical Context

Jesus' refusal echoes OT prophets who condemned Israel's demand for signs while ignoring God's word (Isaiah 7:10-14; Jeremiah 44:29-30). The phrase 'evil and adulterous generation' (Matthew 12:39) recalls Israel's wilderness rebellion—a generation that saw miracles yet lacked faith (Psalm 95:10; Hebrews 3:10). Jonah's three days in the fish prefigured Christ's burial and resurrection (Matthew 12:40). Early church recognized that the resurrection was Christianity's foundational sign—if Christ rose, the gospel stands; if not, faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:14-19).

Questions for Reflection