Matthew 12:41 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45

Last state worse than first. All that was implied in our Lord's mode of working is here explicitly enounced. The miracles were only subordinately evidences of his Divine commission; primarily they were deeds of mercy. But to heal every one would have been to violate the constitution of man's nature, and upset the equilibrium required for the harmonious co-operation of God and man. Those only who had faith were healed, and this secured that their character was purified and aided, not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45

The sign-seekers. After Jesus had denounced the blasphemy of the scribes and Pharisees, and threatened them with the severity of the judgment, certain of their number demanded of him a sign to sustain his asserted authority. In his reply we notice— I. THAT THE SINNERS ARE REBUKED IN MERCY . 1 . They sought a sign , viz. , from heaven. 2 . But this sign was not for that generation. 3 . He gave them the sign from the earth. (a) As to the fact. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:41

Verbally identical with Luke 11:32 . The men of Nineveh ( ἄνδρες νινευῖται ) . No article, because the evangelist desired to call attention to the character of the Ninevites. The men of Nineveh, heathen though they were, shall do this. ἄνδρες (not ἄνθρωποι ); hardly because of the approaching mention of a woman (cf. Luke 11:31 ), but because the men in the city would naturally take the lead, and not the women. So also in the LXX . of Jonah 3:5 (contrast Jonah 3:7 ... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 12:38-42

We would see a sign from thee - See Luke 11:16, Luke 11:29-32. A “sign” commonly signifies a miracle - that is, a sign that God was with the person or had sent him. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:11. Luke adds that this was done “tempting him;” that is, trying him, doubting if he had the power to do it. If these persons had been present with him for any considerable time, they had already seen sufficient proofs that he was what he claimed to be. They might have been, however, those who had... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 12:41

Matthew 12:41. The men of Nineveh, &c. “The Ninevites being judged at the same time with the men of that generation, and their behaviour being compared with theirs, should make their guilt appear in its true colour and condemn them. For though they were idolaters, they repented at the preaching of Jonah, a stranger, a poor person, one that continued among them only three days, and wrought no miracle to make them believe him. But the men of that generation, though worshippers of the true... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 12:22-45

52. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:22-45; Mark 3:22-30; Luke 11:14-36)On one occasion when Jesus cast out demons, the Pharisees accused him of doing it by the power of Satan, the prince of demons (Matthew 12:22-24; Luke 11:14-16). Jesus replied that if the prince of demons used his own power to cast out demons, he would be creating civil war in his own kingdom. He would be destroying himself. The only way a strong man can be defeated is if a stronger man overpowers him. In casting out... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 12:41

men. Greek No Art., plural of aner. App-123 . rise = stand up. Not the same word as in Matthew 12:42 . judgment = the judgment, as in Matthew 12:42 . Compare Psalms 1:5 . repented. The last reference to repentance in Matthew. See App-111 . preaching = proclamation. Compare App-121 . greater. See note on Matthew 12:6 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here.Of surpassing interest in this passage is Christ's reference to "the judgment." Some fancy they see seven judgments in the word of God; but Christ continually spoke of only ONE. As already noted repeatedly in this commentary, THE JUDGMENT was a constant theme of Christ's teaching. Christ's view of the judgment... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 12:41-42

Matthew 12:41-42. The men of Nineveh, &c.— The Ninevites being judged at the same time with the men of that generation, and their behaviour being compared together, should make the guilt of the latter appear in its true colours, and condemn them: for though they were idolaters, they repented at the preaching of Jonah, a stranger, a poor person, and one who continued among them only three days, and wrought no miracle among them to make them believe him: but the men of that generation, though... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 12:41

41. The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, c.—The Ninevites, though heathens, repented at a man's preaching while they, God's covenant-people, repented not at the preaching of the Son of God—whose supreme dignity is rather implied here than expressed. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:38-45

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 12:41

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 12:38-42

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 12:41

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 12:22-45

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 12:41

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 12:41

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 12:41-42

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 12:41

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