Matthew 12:36-38
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
36 [a](A)I tell you, on the day of judgment people will render an account for every careless word they speak. 37 By your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
The Demand for a Sign.[b] 38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, “Teacher,[c] we wish to see a sign from you.”(B)
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- 12:36–37 If on the day of judgment people will be held accountable for even their careless words, the vicious accusations of the Pharisees will surely lead to their condemnation.
- 12:38–42 This section is mainly from Q (see Lk 11:29–32). Mk 8:11–12, which Matthew has followed in Mt 16:1–4, has a similar demand for a sign. The scribes and Pharisees refuse to accept the exorcisms of Jesus as authentication of his claims and demand a sign that will end all possibility of doubt. Jesus’ response is that no such sign will be given. Because his opponents are evil and see him as an agent of Satan, nothing will convince them.
- 12:38 Teacher: see note on Mt 8:19. In Mt 16:1 the request is for a sign “from heaven” (Mk 8:11).
Matthew 12:36-38
New International Version
36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”(A)
The Sign of Jonah(B)(C)
38 Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign(D) from you.”(E)
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