Matthew 12:39

“But hee answered, and said to them, An euill and adulterous generation seeketh after a signe, and there shall no signe be giuen to it, but the signe of the Prophet Ionas.”

1611 King James Version (KJV)




Viewing the original 1611 KJV with archaic English spelling.
Click to switch to the Standard KJV.

Other Translations

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:
- King James Version

But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and {yet} no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;
- New American Standard Version (1995)

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet:
- American Standard Version (1901)

But he, answering, said to them, An evil and false generation is looking for a sign; and no sign will be given to it but the sign of the prophet Jonah:
- Basic English Bible

But he, answering, said to them, A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and a sign shall not be given to it save the sign of Jonas the prophet.
- Darby Bible

But he answered and said to them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh for a sign, and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah.
- Webster's Bible

Wicked and faithless generation! He replied, "they clamour for a sign, but none shall be given to them except the sign of the Prophet Jonah.
- Weymouth Bible

But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.
- World English Bible

Which answeride, and seide to hem, An yuel kynrede and a spouse brekere sekith a tokene, and a tokene shal not be youun to it, but the tokene of Jonas, the prophete.
- Wycliffe Bible

And he answering said to them, `A generation, evil and adulterous, doth seek a sign, and a sign shall not be given to it, except the sign of Jonah the prophet;
- Youngs Literal Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for Matthew 12:39


12:39 An adulterous generation - Whose heart wanders from God, though they profess him to be their husband. Such adulterers are all those who love the world, and all who seek the friendship of it. Seeketh a sign - After all they have had already, which were abundantly sufficient to convince them, had not their hearts been estranged from God, and consequently averse to the truth. The sign of Jonah - Who was herein a type of Christ.


People's Bible Notes for Matthew 12:39


Mt 12:39 An evil and adulterous generation. We must keep in mind that the Lord is speaking to his enemies. He compares them to a faithless wife. They were faithless to God. See Mt 16:4. The sign of the prophet Jonah. See Mt 12:40.

Discussion for Matthew 12

What Do You Think of Matthew 12?

Share your own thoughts or commentary here...

Notify me if someone responds on this discussion/thread

Bible Options

Sponsored Links