Luke - 11:16



16 Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Luke 11:16.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
And others, trying him , sought of him a sign from heaven.
And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven.
and others, tempting, a sign out of heaven from him were asking.
Others, to put Him to the test, asked Him for a sign in the sky.
And others, testing him, were looking for a sign from heaven from him.
And others, testing him, required a sign from heaven of him.
while others, to test him, asked him for some sign from the heavens.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

And others tempting sought from him a sign. Something similar to this is afterwards related by Matthew, (16:4,) and by Mark, (8:11, 12.) Hence it is evident, that Christ repeatedly attacked them on this subject, so that there was no end to the wickedness of those men who had once resolved to oppose the truth. There can be no doubt that they ask a sign, in order to plead, as a plausible pretense for their unbelief, that Christ's calling has not been duly attested. They do not express such submissiveness as to be prepared to yield to two or three miracles, and still less to be satisfied with a single miracle; but as I hinted a little before, they apologize for not believing the Gospel on this pretense, that Christ shows no sign of it from heaven. He had already performed miracles before their eyes sufficiently numerous and manifest; but as if these were not enough for the confirmation of doctrine, they wish to have something exhibited from heaven, by which God will, as it were, make a visible appearance. They call him Master, according to custom; for such was the appellation given at that time to all scribes and expounders of the law. But they do not acknowledge him to be a prophet of God, till he produce a testimony from heaven. The meaning therefore is: "Since thou professest to be a teacher and Master, if thou desirest that we should be thy disciples, let God declare from heaven that He is the Author of thy teaching, and let Him confirm thy calling by a miracle."

And others tempting him,.... Others of the Scribes and Pharisees, or Sadducees:
sought of him a sign from heaven; See Gill on Matthew 12:38, Matthew 16:1.

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