36 But I tell you that for every [a]careless word that people [b]speak, they will give an account of it on the (A)day of judgment. 37 For [c]by your words you will be justified, and [d]by your words you will be condemned.”

The Desire for Signs

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, (B)we want to see a [e]sign from You.”

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 12:36 Or useless
  2. Matthew 12:36 Lit will speak
  3. Matthew 12:37 Or in accordance with
  4. Matthew 12:37 Or in accordance with
  5. Matthew 12:38 I.e., confirming miracle

36 I[a] tell you that on the day of judgment, people will give an account for every worthless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

The Sign of Jonah

38 Then some of the experts in the law[b] along with some Pharisees[c] answered him,[d] “Teacher, we want to see a sign[e] from you.”

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 12:36 tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.
  2. Matthew 12:38 tn Or “Then some of the scribes.” See the note on the phrase “experts in the law” in 2:4.
  3. Matthew 12:38 tn Grk “and Pharisees.” The word “some” before “Pharisees” has been supplied for clarification.sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.
  4. Matthew 12:38 tn Grk “answered him, saying.” The participle λέγοντες (legontes) is redundant, but the syntax of the sentence was changed to conform to English style.
  5. Matthew 12:38 sn What exactly this sign would have been, given what Jesus was already doing, is not clear. But here is where the fence-sitters reside, refusing to commit to him.