5 Or, age.
a Luke ([11:14-36]) gives another blasphemous accusation later in Judea. Matthew ([9:27-34]) also has another blasphemous accusation. Note Christ's use of parables in replying to the accusations.
§ 62. SCRIBES AND PHARISEES DEMAND A SIGN
Same day. Galilee
Matt. 12:38-45
38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered him, saying, 1Master, we would see a sign from thee. 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 Jonah the prophet: 40 for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the 2whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth [see Jonah 1:17; 2:1-2; 3:5; 4:3; 1 Kings 10:1-10]. 41 The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, 3a greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgement with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, 3a greater than Solomon is here. 43 But the unclean spirit, when 4he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking rest, and findeth it not. 44 Then 4he saith, I will return into my house whence I came out; and when 4he is come, 4he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth 4he, and taketh with 5himself seven other spirits more evil than 5himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this evil generation.
1 Or, Teacher.
2 Gr. sea-monster.
3 Gr. more than.
4 Or, it.