What Does Matthew 12:38 Mean in the King James?
Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The word for “sign” holds an indication within it: what they want to see is meant to point beyond itself.
THE MEANING
This verse gives language to the urge to ask for something visible and unmistakable before receiving what is being said. The request is directed at Jesus: “we would see a sign from thee.” A sign, by its word-sense, is an indication, so what is seen points toward what it discloses.
THE ROOT
σημεῖον
sēmeion
GROWS FROM
σημ- (sēm-), from σῆμα (sēma)
A mark, sign, or indication.
The Greek word σημεῖον (sēmeion, sign or indication) belongs to the family of σῆμα (sēma, mark) and σημαίνω (sēmainō, indicate or signify). The shared sense is a mark that makes something known: the visible sign directs attention toward what it signifies.
ALSO GROWS
sēma: Mark or sign.
σῆμα
It shows the family’s basic image: a mark that distinguishes or indicates.
sēmainō: Indicate or signify.
σημαίνω
It carries the act of making something known; a sign is an indication that points beyond the event itself.
THE PATTERN
A sign is a visible marker that directs perception toward what it indicates.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:THE THREAD
Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.John 4:48 uses the same Greek word σημεῖον (sēmeion, sign) for the visible evidence being demanded. The shared word brings the condition into focus: sight is being asked to come before trust.
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