Mateus 12

Mateus 12

Barnes puts it, “They looked for signs of their own devising.” So entrenched was their rejection of Christ that, when later presented with the “sign of the prophet Jonah” (Christ’s resurrection, Matthew 12:39-40), they still would not believe. 3. Some people seek after signs and wonders because they seek an occasion to excuse their unbelief. There were people in Jesus’ day who “tested” Him by seeking a sign (Matthew 16:1; Luke 11:16). Since they specified that the sign be “from heaven,” they most likely wanted something spectacular, similar to Elijah’s calling down fire from the sky (1 Kings 18:38) or Isaiah’s causing the sun to reverse course (Isaiah 38:8). Probably, their “test” was designed to be something “too big” for Jesus to accomplish—they simply hoped He would attempt it and fail in the attempt. 4. Some people seek after signs and wonders because they are curious thrill-seekers. Like the crowds in John 6:2 and King Herod in Luke 23:8, they want to see something sensational, but they have no real desire to know the truth of Christ. 5. Some people seek after signs and wonders because they hope to get something for themselves. After Jesus fed the multitudes, a large crowd followed Him to the other side of Galilee. Jesus saw their true motivation, however, and rebuked it: “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill” (John 6:26). The crowd’s desire was not to know Christ or even to see more miracles; it was simply to fill their stomachs again. Better than seeking after a new miracle is taking God at His Word. Simple faith is more pleasing to the Lord than a reliance on a dazzling sensory experience. “Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:29). Matthew 12:39 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; NET Matthew 12:39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. GNT Matthew 12:39 ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Γενεὰ πονηρὰ καὶ μοιχαλὶς σημεῖον ἐπιζητεῖ, καὶ σημεῖον οὐ δοθήσεται αὐτῇ εἰ μὴ τὸ σημεῖον Ἰωνᾶ τοῦ προφήτου. NLT Matthew 12:39 But Jesus replied, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. KJV Matthew 12:39 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: ESV Matthew 12:39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. NIV Matthew 12:39 He answered, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ASV Matthew 12:39 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: CSB Matthew 12:39 But He answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. NKJ Matthew 12:39 But He answered and said to them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. NRS Matthew 12:39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. YLT Matthew 12:39 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; NAB Matthew 12:39 He said to them in reply, "An evil and unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet. NJB Matthew 12:39 He replied, 'It is an evil and unfaithful generation that asks for a sign! The only sign it will be given is the sign of the prophet Jonah. GWN Matthew 12:39 He responded, "The people of an evil and unfaithful era look for a miraculous sign. But the only sign they will get is the sign of the prophet Jonah. BBE Matthew 12:39 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: adulterous: Isa 57:3 Mk 8:38 Jas 4:4 no sign: Mt 16:4 Lu 11:29-30 Matthew 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Luke 11:29+ As the crowds were increasing, He began to say, “This generation is a wicked generation; it seeks for a sign, and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. Jonah 1:17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. Deuteronomy 32:20+ “Then He said, ‘I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end shall be; For they are a perverse generation, Sons in whom is no faithfulness. JESUS PROMISES THE SIGN OF JONAH But He answered and said to them, “An evil (poneros - evil with intent to harm) and adulterous (moichalis) generation (genea) craves (epizeteo - present - continuously seeks) for a sign (semeion); and yet no sign (semeion) will be given to it but the sign (semeion) of Jonah the prophet - The Pharisees and scribes had just demanded that Jesus prove Himself by performing a special sign from heaven (Mt 12:38). This comes after Jesus has already healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, calmed storms, fed thousands, and fulfilled Scripture before their eyes. The point is that their request wasn’t curiosity but was evidence of their hard-hearted unbelief. The Pharisees demanded signs, but this was not a demand from a sincere heart.They were demanding more proof but not honestly. They didn’t lack evidence. They hated the evidence! They had already seen enough of His miracles and yet remained unbelieving. Therefore, Jesus rebuked them in this passage. Their continual demand for signs exposed their spiritual adultery, a heart unfaithful to God’s truth (Dt 32:20; see related topic Israel the Wife of Jehovah). This is not about wanting to understand but is about refusing to believe the signs Jesus had already performed which authenticated the Gospel message He proclaimed. Jesus used Jonah’s ordeal as an analogy (a prophetic foreshadowing) of His own death and resurrection for “Three days and three nights in the belly of the fish” pointed to Jesus’ three days in the tomb. Jonah’s deliverance pointed to Jesus’ resurrection. And Jonah’s message that led to repentance pointed to Jesus’ gospel that calls the world to "repent (present imperative see our need to submit to and depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) and believe (present imperative see our need to submit to and depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) (Mk 1:15+) In other words, the “sign of Jonah” is both a miracle and a message. In summary, their demand for a sign arose from unbelief, not faith. Jesus made it clear that His resurrection would be the ultimate sign, and if they would not believe that, no other sign would ever persuade them. QUESTION - Why does Jesus say that “an evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign” (Matthew 12:39)? GOTQUESTIONS? ANSWER - As Jesus traveled around ministering with His disciples, He performed many miracles, signs, and wonders. These signs were evidence of His divine authority, causing many to believe His message and respond to Him in faith. But the Pharisees, who also witnessed these signs, were filled with wickedness and unbelief, and they “plotted how they might kill Jesus” (Matthew 12:14). When they asked Jesus for a sign to prove He was the Messiah, the Lord saw beyond their words into their treacherous, faithless hearts. Jesus responded, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39ESV). A similar exchange took place in Matthew 16:1–4. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, “demanding that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority” (Mt 16:1NLT). Again, Jesus confronted their unbelief, noting that they could interpret meteorological signs, but not “the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah” (Matthew 16:2–4, ESV). The “sign of Jonah” is a reference to Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (see Matthew 12:40; cf. Jonah 1:17). The religious leaders already had more than enough proof of Jesus Christ’s identity. They knew the messianic prophecies Christ was fulfilling. They had seen with their own eyes His miracles of healing and exorcisms. What more could He do if these signs weren’t indisputable evidence enough? Nothing, concluded Jesus. The fact that they continued seeking a sign demonstrated the hardness of their unbelieving hearts. The only definitive sign they might accept to validate Christ’s authority would be His triumph over death on the cross (Romans 6:9; 2 Timothy 1:10). The Pharisees probably did not comprehend what Jesus meant just then, but they might have remembered and understood His words after the resurrection. Scripture teaches that it’s wise to test the legitimacy of a person who claims to be God’s prophet (1 John 4:1). Jesus wasn’t saying that it is evil or wrong to seek for a sign. God gave signs to Moses (Exodus 4:1–9) and Gideon (Judges 6:11–22) to validate His Word. He urged King Ahaz, “Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights” (Isaiah 7:11; see also Isaiah 7:10–25). Miraculous signs are sometimes the catalyst to spark a person’s faith and trust in Jesus (see John 2:23; 11:45). God gives signs to help those struggling to believe (John 4:43–54). The purpose of a divine sign is always to lead people to respond to God’s message in faith. The scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign to trick Jesus and ultimately destroy Him. For this reason, Jesus said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign.” He perceived the rebellion and unbelief in their hearts. Moreover, Jesus recognized these men as spokespersons for an entire generation of unfaithful, unbelieving people. The term adulterous generation refers to the Old Testament concept that adultery or sexual infidelity, in a spiritual sense, is equivalent to apostasy or idolatry (see Jeremiah 3:20; Isaiah 57:3; Ezekiel 16:32; Hosea 1—3). Jesus said, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). James wrote, “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God” (James 4:4, NLT). God considers His spiritual union with His people to be as intimate and exclusive as the bond between a husband and wife (see Ezekiel 16:8; Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:14; 31:32; Ephesians 5:31–32). Believing people with faithful hearts may indeed be given a sign from God—to confirm His Word (Hebrews 2:3–4; Mark 16:20); to assure them of His presence (Exodus 3:1–5); to demonstrate His power (Jeremiah 32:21); to warn against rebellion (Numbers 17:10; 1 Samuel 2:34); and to encourage them (Deuteronomy 7:17–19; Matthew 2:9–10). The insincere unbelievers of “an evil and adulterous generation” in Jesus’ day sought for a sign, but none was given to it except the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Matthew 12:40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. NET Matthew 12:40 For just as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. GNT Matthew 12:40 ὥσπερ γὰρ ἦν Ἰωνᾶς ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ τοῦ κήτους τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας, οὕτως ἔσται ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ τῆς γῆς τρεῖς ἡμέρας καὶ τρεῖς νύκτας. NLT Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. KJV Matthew 12:40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ESV Matthew 12:40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. NIV Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ASV Matthew 12:40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. CSB Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. NKJ Matthew 12:40 "For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. NRS Matthew 12:40 For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so for three days and three nights the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth. YLT Matthew 12:40 for, as Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights, so shall the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. NAB Matthew 12:40 Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. NJB Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah remained in the belly of the sea-monster for three days and three nights, so will the Son of man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. GWN Matthew 12:40 Just as Jonah was in the belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. BBE Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the stomach of the great fish, so will the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. as: Jon 1:17 so: Mt 16:21 17:23 27:40,63,64 Joh 2:19 in the heart: Ps 63:9 Jon 2:2-6 Matthew 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Jonah 1:17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 2:2-6 and he said, “I called out of my distress to the LORD, And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice. 3 “For You had cast me into the deep, Into the heart of the seas, And the current engulfed me. All Your breakers and billows passed over me. 4 “So I said, ‘I have been expelled from Your sight. Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.’ 5 “Water encompassed me to the point of death. The great deep engulfed me, Weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 “I descended to the roots of the mountains. The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. John 2:19+ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Luke 11:30+ “For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. A WHALE OF A TALE JONAH FORESHADOWS JESUS BURIAL AND RESURRECTION Jesus’ statement in Matthew 12:40 draws a deliberate parallel between the experience of Jonah and His own coming death, burial, and resurrection. for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY OF THE SEA MONSTER - Jonah’s descent into the depths of the sea and confinement in the great fish vividly portrays a state of judgment, helplessness, and apparent death. so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth - Jonah’s ordeal was not merely a historical event but a divinely designed type, a prophetic sign pointing forward to Christ. From a human perspective, Jonah was as good as dead, removed from the land of the living. Yet after this appointed period, God brought him forth alive, a dramatic deliverance that authenticated his prophetic mission to Nineveh (Jonah 2:1–10). In the same way, Jesus would descend into the “heart of the earth,” a phrase referring to His burial and His entrance into the realm of death (cf. Acts 2:27). His death was real, His burial complete, and His identification with humanity’s judgment total. The phrase “three days and three nights” reflects a common Jewish idiom in which any part of a day could be reckoned as a whole day and night (cf. Esther 4:16 with Esther 5:1). Thus, Jesus’ time in the tomb from Friday to Sunday fulfills this expression without requiring three full 24-hour periods. The emphasis is not on a modern, technical calculation of hours but on the certainty and completeness of the period God ordained. Most importantly, Jonah’s experience serves as a “sign” (Mt 12:39), and Jesus identifies it as the ultimate sign validating His identity as the Messiah. Just as Jonah emerged alive, so Jesus would rise from the dead, but with infinitely greater significance. Jonah’s deliverance was personal and temporary. Jesus’ resurrection is victorious and eternal, conquering sin and death (cf. 1Co 15:3-4). Jonah was a reluctant prophet sent to Gentiles; Jesus is the greater Prophet and Savior whose death and resurrection bring salvation to all who believe. To summarize, the comparison teaches that Jonah’s three days in the fish prefigured Christ’s burial, and Jonah’s deliverance foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection. What was shadow in Jonah becomes substance in Christ, confirming that Jesus’ death and resurrection were not accidental but divinely planned, fulfilling the pattern God had already embedded in Scripture. QUESTION - What is the sign of Jonah? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG watch video ANSWER - The phrase “sign of Jonah” was used by Jesus as a typological metaphor for His future crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Jesus answered with this expression when asked by the Pharisees for miraculous proof that He was indeed the Messiah. The Pharisees remained unconvinced of Jesus’ claims about Himself, despite His having just cured a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. Shortly after the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Satan, they said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here” (Matthew 12:38–41). To fully appreciate the answer that Jesus gave, we must go to the Old Testament book of Jonah. In its first chapter, we read that God commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn its people that He was going to destroy it for its wickedness. Jonah disobediently ran from the Lord and headed for the city of Tarshish by boat. The Lord then sent a severe storm that caused the crew of the ship to fear for their lives. Jonah was soon thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish where he remained for “three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:15–17). After the three-day period, the Lord caused the great fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land (Jonah 2:10). It is this three days that Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the sign of Jonah. Jesus had already been producing miracles that were witnessed by many. Jesus had just performed a great sign in the Pharisees’ presence by healing a deaf man who was possessed of a demon. Rather than believe, they accused Jesus of doing this by the power of Satan. Jesus recognized their hardness of heart and refused to give them further proof of His identity. However, He did say that there would be one further sign forthcoming, His resurrection from the dead. This would be their final opportunity to be convinced. Jesus’ paralleling of the Pharisees with the people of Nineveh is telling. The people of Nineveh repented of their evil ways (Jonah 3:4–10) after hearing Jonah’s call for repentance, while the Pharisees continued in their unbelief despite being eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that they were culpable for their unbelief, given the conversion of the people of Nineveh, sinners who had received far less evidence than the Pharisees themselves had witnessed. Interestingly, from the time of Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh had 40 days to repent, and they did, sparing their city from destruction. From the time of Jesus’ preaching, the people of Jerusalem had 40 years, but they did not repent, and Jerusalem was destroyed. But what are we to make of the phrase “three days and three nights”? Was Jesus saying that He would be dead for three full 24-hour periods before He would rise from the dead? It does not appear so. The phrase “three days and three nights” need not refer to a literal 72-hour period. Rather, according to the Hebrew reckoning of time, the days could refer to three days in part or in whole. Jesus was probably crucified on a Friday (Mark 15:42). According to the standard reckoning, Jesus died at about 3:00 PM (Matthew 27:46) on Friday (day 1). He remained dead for all of Saturday (day 2) and rose from the dead early on Sunday morning (day 3). Attempts to place Jesus’ death on Wednesday to accommodate a literal 72-hour period are probably unnecessary once we take into account the Hebrew method of reckoning of each day as beginning at sundown. So it seems that the expression “three days and three nights” was used as a figure of speech meant to signify any part of three days. God would often use signs (or miracles) in the Bible to authenticate His chosen messenger. The Lord provided Moses with several miraculous signs in order to prove to others that he was appointed by God (Exodus 4:5–9; 7:8–10;19-20). God sent down fire on Elijah’s altar during Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36–39). He performed this miracle to prove that the God of Israel was the one true God. Jesus Himself would perform many miracles (or “signs”) to demonstrate His power over nature (Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 8:22–24; John 6:16–24). The “sign of Jonah” would turn out to be Jesus’ greatest miracle of all. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead would be God’s chief sign that Jesus was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah (Acts 2:23–32) and establish Christ’s claims to deity (Romans 1:3–4). QUESTION - What is the heart of the earth (Matthew 12:40)? GOTQUESTIONS.ORG ANSWER - In Matthew 12:40, Jesus says, “For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (ESV). The Greek word translated as “heart” refers to the “core” of something, including inanimate objects. Following His crucifixion, Jesus, the Son of Man, will spend three days and three nights in the heart, or core, of the earth. To appreciate the significance of this unique expression, we must review the context of Matthew 12:33–40. In Matthew 12:33–37, Jesus addresses and challenges the Pharisees to consider the condition of their hearts. To this end, He uses a metaphor about trees and the fruit they produce. A good tree produces good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces bad fruit. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were evil and corrupt because they had spoken evil things about Him (see Matthew 12:22–31). On judgment day, the Pharisees will answer for “every careless word they speak” (verse 36, ESV). Next, the scribes and Pharisees request a sign: “Teacher, we wish to see a sign from you” (Matthew 12:38, ESV). Jesus had already performed many signs and miracles in their sight, but they refused to believe in Him as the promised Messiah. So, Jesus says, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (verse 39, ESV). Here, the word adulterous refers to unfaithfulness to God. The scribes and Pharisees were unfaithful because they honored God were their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matthew 15:8). This was abundantly clear by their request for a sign. When Jesus says, “no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39), He is not denying other signs and miracles that He had performed. He is saying, rather, that the most important sign is the one He has yet to perform; that is, His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus then points to Jonah, who “was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish” (Matthew 12:40, ESV; see Jonah 2:1–10). Jonah was swallowed by the great fish because of disobedience to God (Jonah 1:1–3), but Jesus was perfectly “obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8, ESV). Following His crucifixion, Jesus was in “the heart of the earth,” that is, in the grave or the “heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40, ESV). Just as God delivered Jonah from the “belly of the great fish” (Matthew 12:40), He also delivered His Son from the grave: “You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption” (Psalm 16:10, ESV). In both instances, the words of Jonah ring loud and clear, “Salvation is of the Lord!” (Jonah 2:9, ESV). Jonah in the belly of the great fish and Jesus in the heart of the earth—both men seemed like goners. Jonah in the belly of the great fish and Jesus in the heart of the earth—both men seemed like goners. No one comes back from such trauma; survival is not to be expected. But God had a different plan. Three days after Jonah was swallowed and given up for dead, here he comes again, on dry land and declaring the good news of salvation to the Assyrian city of Nineveh. Three days after Jesus was buried in “the heart of the earth,” truly dead, here He comes again, alive and well and declaring the good news of salvation to the whole world. We can’t ignore the sign of Jonah. The heart of the Pharisees was set on a sign from Jesus, but Jesus’ heart was set on His death, burial, and resurrection. In effect, Jesus was saying, “You are worried about the wrong things. Instead of seeking a sign from Me, you should examine yourselves to see the impurity in your heart. And the only way to receive a new heart, a heart that is acceptable to God, is to believe in My death, burial, and resurrection.” Indeed, this is the core message of the gospel. Related Resources: Summary of the Book of Jonah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Did Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? | GotQuestions.org Matthew 12:41 “The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. NET Matthew 12:41 The people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented when Jonah preached to them– and now, something greater than Jonah is here! GNT Matthew 12:41 ἄνδρες Νινευῖται ἀναστήσονται ἐν τῇ κρίσει μετὰ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης καὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτήν, ὅτι μετενόησαν εἰς τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰωνᾶ, καὶ ἰδοὺ πλεῖον Ἰωνᾶ ὧδε. NLT Matthew 12:41 "The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here-- but you refuse to repent. KJV Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. ESV Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. NIV Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now one greater than Jonah is here. ASV Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here. CSB Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah's proclamation; and look-- something greater than Jonah is here! NKJ Matthew 12:41 "The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here. NRS Matthew 12:41 The people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! YLT Matthew 12:41 'Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they reformed at the proclamation of Jonah, and lo, a greater than Jonah here! NAB Matthew 12:41 At the judgment, the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and there is something greater than Jonah here. NJB Matthew 12:41 On Judgement Day the men of Nineveh will appear against this generation and they will be its condemnation, because when Jonah preached they repented; and look, there is something greater than Jonah here. GWN Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will stand up with you at the time of judgment and will condemn you, because they turned to God and changed the way they thought and acted when Jonah spoke his message. But look, someone greater than Jonah is here! BBE Matthew 12:41 The men of Nineveh will come up in the day of judging and give their decision against this generation: because they were turned from their sins at the preaching of Jonah; and now a greater than Jonah is here. men : Lu 11:32 will stand up Mt 12:42 Isa 54:17 Jer 3:11 Eze 16:51,52 Ro 2:27 Heb 11:7 this generation at the judgment: Mt 12:39,45 16:4 17:17 23:36 because: Jon 3:5-10 behold (KJV): Mt 12:6,42 Joh 3:31 4:12 8:53-58 Heb 3:5,6 Matthew 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Luke 11:32 - see commentary - “The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Jonah 3:5-10 Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them. 6 When the word reached the king of Nineveh, he arose from his throne, laid aside his robe from him, covered himself with sackcloth and sat on the ashes. 7 He issued a proclamation and it said, “In Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let man, beast, herd, or flock taste a thing. Do not let them eat or drink water. 8 “But both man and beast must be covered with sackcloth; and let men call on God earnestly that each may turn from his wicked way and from the violence which is in his hands. 9 “Who knows, God may turn and relent and withdraw His burning anger so that we will not perish.” 10 When God saw their deeds, that they turned from their wicked way, then God relented concerning the calamity which He had declared He would bring upon them. And He did not do it. PAGAN NINEVITES "CONDEMN" THE WICKED GENERATION Jesus delivers a sobering indictment by setting up a stark contrast between the pagan Ninevites and the unbelieving generation before Him. The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation (genea) at the judgment (krisis) - Jesus notes Gentile receptivity to the truth was far greater than Israel, for these pagan idol worshipers repented at Jonah's preaching (albeit reluctant) whereas the wicked generation rejected Jesus' preaching. To what judgment does Jesus refer? This is surely the final Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers (and "unrepenters"!) (Rev 20:11-15+). And will condemn (katakrino) it (Why?) because they repented (metanoeo) at the preaching (kerugma) of Jonah The idea that they will “condemn” this generation does not mean they act as judges, but that their response serves as a powerful testimony against those who rejected Christ. Their repentance exposes the hardness of those who refused Him. Their repentance was immediate and widespread.Woe to those who teach that repentance is not intrinsically integral with belief and salvation. They are guilty of presenting a false Gospel and will be judged accordingly! Nineveh had only a brief message and a reluctant prophet, yet they humbled themselves, turned from evil, and sought God’s mercy. In contrast, Jesus’ generation had far greater light. They heard not a reluctant servant, but the very Son of God. They witnessed His miracles, heard His authoritative teaching, and saw the fulfillment of prophecy, yet they hardened their hearts. In short, Nineveh's repentance stands as evidence that hardness of heart is not due to lack of evidence but resistance to truth. And behold (idou), something greater than Jonah is here - Behold is injected by Jesus to get their attention, which is a bit ironic as His many signs heretofore had failed to gain their attention, except as a "Miracle Worker," but not as their Messiah/Redeemer! Some One greater was standing in their midst and had been traversing their land for almost 2 and 1/2 years. He was a greater preacher than Jonah because not only did He preach from perfect motives, He backed up His preaching and calls to "Repent" with many signs and wonders (Jn 20:30+). The force of Jesus’ statement is this: if the Ninevites repented at the lesser light of Jonah’s preaching, how much more should this generation have repented at the infinitely greater light of Christ’s presence. Their failure to do so reveals deeper guilt and greater accountability (cf. Luke 12:47-48). To reject Him is to reject the greatest light ever given, and therefore to incur the most serious judgment. Adam Clarke (quoted by Guzik) on why the witness of Jesus was greater than Jonah - (1) “Christ, Who preached to the Jews, was infinitely greater than Jonah, in His nature, person, and mission.” (2) “Jonah preached repentance in Nineveh only forty days, and Christ preached among the Jews for several years.” (3) “Jonah wrought no miracles to authorize his preaching; but Christ wrought miracles every day, in every place where He went, and of every kind.” (4) “Notwithstanding all this, the people of Judea did not repent, though the people of Nineveh did.” John