Commentary— Tyndale Open Study Notes (plain English)
8:12 I tell you the truth: Jesus’ response was as strong as an oath meaning, “[May God’s judgment fall upon me] if I give this generation any such sign.” Such oaths express an unbending commitment (see Gen 14:22-23; Num 32:10-11; Ruth 1:17; 1 Sam 3:17; 20:13; 2 Sam 3:35; 19:13). • Jesus elsewhere describes this generation as “adulterous and sinful” (Mark 8:38) and “faithless” (9:19).
Literal English (YLT)ⓘYoung's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.Young's Literal Translation (1862) — mirrors the original word order and idiom as closely as English grammar allows. It reads awkwardly on purpose: the goal is to show you the structure of the original language, not smooth English prose. Covers the New Testament only.
and having sighed deeply in his spirit, he saith, 'Why doth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.'
Greek (New Testament)ⓘA Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.A Greek New Testament text — koine (common) Greek, the everyday language the New Testament was originally written in.
none και αναστεναξας τω πνευματι αυτου λεγει τι η γενεα αυτη ζητει σημειον αμην λεγω υμιν ει δοθησεται τη γενεα ταυτη σημειον
King James VersionⓘKing James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.King James Version (1611) — the classic formal, word-for-word English translation. Historic and widely memorized, but uses Early Modern English vocabulary.
And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
American Standard VersionⓘAmerican Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.American Standard Version (1901) — a more literal, precision-focused revision in the King James tradition.
And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
World English BibleⓘWorld English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.World English Bible — a modern, public-domain update to the KJV/ASV formal style, without archaic language.
He sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Bible in Basic EnglishⓘBible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.Bible in Basic English (1949) — deliberately written with a ~1,000-word vocabulary. Easiest to read, least precise wording.
And he was very sad in spirit, and said, Why is this generation looking for a sign? truly, I say to you, No sign will be given to this generation.