Mark 8:11

“And the Pharisees came forth, etc..] 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 “<401601>Matthew 16:1”).”

“See this passage explained in Matthew 16:1-12. Mark 8:12 Sighed deeply in his spirit - His heart was deeply affected at their wickedness and hypocrisy. The word “spirit” here is taken as the seat of the emotions, passions, affections. He drew groans deeply from his breast. No sign be given - That is, no such sign as they asked, to wit, a sign “from heaven.” He said a sign should be given, the same as was furnished by Jonas, Matthew 16:4. But this was not what they “asked,” nor would it be given “because” they asked it. Mark 8:15 Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees - See Matthew 16:6. Of Herod - Of the Herodians - of Herod and his followers. Matthew, instead of “Herod,” has “the Sadducees.”…”

“Tempting him - That is, trying to ensnare him. Mat 16:1. Mark 8:12”

“8:11 The antagonism of the Pharisees was persistent (2:16-18, 24; 3:6; 7:1-5; 10:2; 12:13, 15). The request for a sign is at times acceptable (Judg 6:36-40; 2 Kgs 20:8-11; Isa 7:10-12; see also John 2:18-19), but in this case it was obstinate testing of God. • The sought-after sign was not a healing, an exorcism, a raising from the dead, or a nature miracle, for there had been many of these already, and Jesus’ ability to work such signs was well known (Mark 1:32-34, 45; 3:7-12; 6:53-56) even to the Pharisees (3:22). What they sought was a miraculous sign from heaven—that is, directly from God—that would demonstrate once for all that Jesus was the Christ. No sign, however, could ever convince…”

“Pharisees: Mar 2:16, Mar 7:1, Mar 7:2; Mat 12:38, Mat 16:1-4, Mat 19:3, Mat 21:23, Mat 22:15, Mat 22:18, Mat 22:23, Mat 22:34, Mat 22:35; Luk 11:53, Luk 11:54; Joh 7:48 seeking: Luk 11:16, Luk 12:54-57; Joh 4:48, Joh 6:30; Co1 1:22, Co1 1:23 tempting: Mar 12:15; Exo 17:2, Exo 17:7; Deu 6:16; Mal 3:15; Luk 10:25; Act 5:9; Co1 10:9 Mark 8:12”