And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.

LUKE 11:29KJV
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Luke 11:29 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:29 mean?

Luke 11:29 describes Jesus telling a large crowd that they are an “evil generation” because they demand a miraculous sign, but he says they will only receive the “sign of Jonas the prophet.” Jesus is warning that no special proof will be given to satisfy their demands except for the example connected to Jonah.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to people who have gathered closely around him, seeking evidence of his authority. He calls out their desire for a sign as a sign of spiritual stubbornness or unbelief. By referencing Jonah, Jesus points to a well-known story where Jonah’s experience was itself a sign to the people of Nineveh, hinting that his own mission and what will happen to him will serve as a similar sign to this generation.

The Greek behind Luke 11:29

  • γενεά (genea, G1074): This word means “generation” and often refers to a group of people living at the same time, but it can also suggest a moral or spiritual character of that group. Here, it emphasizes the collective attitude of the people Jesus is addressing.
  • σημειον (sēmeion, G4592): This word means “sign” or “miraculous sign.” In this context, it refers to a supernatural proof or wonder that people are demanding from Jesus to prove his authority.
  • Ἰωνᾶς (Iōnas, G2495): This is the Greek form of “Jonah,” the prophet whose story is being referenced. Mentioning Jonah connects Jesus’ message to a familiar Old Testament event that carried a warning and a call to repentance.

Why Luke 11:29 matters

  • Luke 11:29 clears up the idea that Jesus would perform miracles simply to satisfy curiosity or skepticism; he refuses to give a sign on demand.
  • The verse highlights a recurring theme in the Gospels: that faith is not meant to be based on constant demands for proof, but on recognizing God’s work through what has already been revealed.
  • By mentioning Jonah, Jesus connects his own mission to the prophetic tradition and prepares listeners for a deeper meaning in his coming death and resurrection, which will be the true “sign” for those willing to see it.

Where else these words appear

“Jonas” Greek G2495 · used in 11 verses

  • 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:
  • Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
  • John 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

“seek” Greek G1934 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
  • Luke 12:30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

“generation” Greek G1074 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 9:19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.
  • Luke 17:25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.

“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.