Mark 8:11

The Pharisees Demand a Sign

11 ¹The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, ²seeking from him ³a sign from heaven ⁴to test him.

Mark 8:11 Meaning and Commentary

Mark 8:11

And the Pharisees came forth
Out of their houses; who dwelt in the coasts of Magdala, and parts of Dalmanutha, and came to Jesus, hearing of his being arrived in their neighbourhood:

and began to question with him;
or to dispute with him, it being their manner to carry on disputations by questions and answers. The Persic version has the question they put, and about which they disputed, "if thou art the Christ"; in proof of which they required a sign:

seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him;
(See Gill on Matthew 16:1).

Mark 8:11 In-Context

9 And there were about four thousand people. And he sent them away.

10 And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.

12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation."

13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side.

Cross References

• 1. For ver. 11-21, see Matthew 16:1-12
• 2. 1 Corinthians 1:22; See Matthew 12:38
• 3. Luke 11:16; Luke 21:11
• 4. John 8:6