And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.

LUKE 11:16KJV
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Luke 11:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:16 mean?

Luke 11:16 describes how some people, wanting to test Jesus, asked him to show them a sign from heaven. They were not simply curious but were challenging him, looking for proof that his authority came from God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a crowd after casting out a demon. While some in the crowd are amazed, others are skeptical and demand a miraculous sign from the sky as evidence. The verse shows that not everyone accepted Jesus’ works at face value; some wanted extraordinary proof, perhaps to trap or discredit him.

The Greek behind Luke 11:16

  • πειράζοντες (peirazontes, "tempting"): This word is often understood as "testing" or "trying to trap." It suggests a hostile motive, not an honest search for truth.
  • σημεῖον (sēmeion, "sign"): In this context, "sign" refers to a miraculous event, especially one seen as a direct act of God from heaven, not just a healing or exorcism.
  • ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ (ek tou ouranou, "from heaven"): This phrase emphasizes that the sign they wanted was not just any miracle, but something unmistakably divine—something only God could do, like fire from the sky.

Why Luke 11:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that some people were not satisfied with Jesus’ miracles on earth and demanded even greater, more spectacular signs, revealing their skepticism or unwillingness to believe.
  • It highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: Jesus’ opponents often tried to test or trap him rather than listen with open minds.
  • The demand for a "sign from heaven" connects to other moments in the Gospels where religious leaders ask for proof, showing a pattern of resistance to Jesus’ message and authority.

Where else these words appear

“tempting” Greek G3985 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Luke 20:23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?
  • Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

“sign” Greek G4592 · used in 69 verses

  • Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
  • Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
  • Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

“others” Greek G2087 · used in 94 verses

  • Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
  • Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
  • Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“sought” Greek G2212 · used in 116 verses

  • Matthew 2:13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
  • Luke 13:7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
  • John 16:19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?