Matthew 16:4
A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Original Language Analysis
Γενεὰ
generation
G1074
Γενεὰ
generation
Strong's:
G1074
Word #:
1 of 22
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
πονηρὰ
A wicked
G4190
πονηρὰ
A wicked
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
2 of 22
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 22
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 #:
5 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ἐπιζητεῖ
seeketh after
G1934
ἐπιζητεῖ
seeketh after
Strong's:
G1934
Word #:
6 of 22
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
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 #:
8 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
οὐ
there shall no
G3756
οὐ
there shall no
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
9 of 22
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
δοθήσεται
be given
G1325
δοθήσεται
be given
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
10 of 22
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 22
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 #:
13 of 22
(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 #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημεῖον
a sign
G4592
σημεῖον
a sign
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
15 of 22
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφήτου
of the prophet
G4396
προφήτου
of the prophet
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
18 of 22
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καταλιπὼν
he left
G2641
καταλιπὼν
he left
Strong's:
G2641
Word #:
20 of 22
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
Cross References
Jonah 1:17Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.Mark 8:38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.Mark 8:12And 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.Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Genesis 6:3And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.