Matthew 12:39

Authorized King James Version

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
ἀποκριθεὶς
G611
he answered
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
#4
εἶπεν
G2036
and said
to speak or say (by word or writing)
#5
αὐτῇ
G846
to it
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
#6
Γενεὰ
G1074
generation
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#7
πονηρὰ
G4190
An evil
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
#8
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
μοιχαλὶς
G3428
adulterous
an adulteress (literally or figuratively)
#10
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#11
ἐπιζητεῖ
G1934
seeketh after
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
#12
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#13
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#14
οὐ
G3756
there shall no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
δοθήσεται
G1325
be given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#16
αὐτῇ
G846
to it
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
#17
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#18
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#19
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#21
Ἰωνᾶ
G2495
Jonas
jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites
#22
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#23
προφήτου
G4396
of the prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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