Matthew 16:4

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Γενεὰ
G1074
generation
a generation; by implication, an age (the period or the persons)
#2
πονηρὰ
G4190
A wicked
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
#3
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#4
μοιχαλὶς
G3428
adulterous
an adulteress (literally or figuratively)
#5
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#6
ἐπιζητεῖ
G1934
seeketh after
to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave
#7
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#8
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#9
οὐ
G3756
there shall no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#10
δοθήσεται
G1325
be given
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
#11
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#12
εἰ
G1487
if, whether, that, etc
#13
μὴ
G3361
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#14
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
σημεῖον
G4592
a sign
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
#16
Ἰωνᾶ
G2495
Jonas
jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites
#17
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
προφήτου
G4396
of the prophet
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
#19
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
καταλιπὼν
G2641
he left
to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
#21
αὐτοὺς
G846
them
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
#22
ἀπῆλθεν
G565
and departed
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

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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