Mark 8:12

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 8:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.
Mark 8:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And he sighed deeply in his Spirit, etc..] In his human soul; and which shows that he had one, and was subject to grief and sorrow, and all passions and infirmities, excepting sin. This deep sigh was on account of the hardness of their hearts, the malignity of their minds, and insincerity of their intentions; who had no view to come at truth by this inquiry, but to ensnare him: and saith, why doth this generation seek after a sign? when so many have been shown among them, and they will not believe: verily I say unto you, there shall no sign be given to this generation: such as they desired; namely, one from heaven. The Evangelist Matthew adds, “but the sign of the Prophet Jonas”; (see Gill…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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.”…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 16:4. Mark 8:15”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:12 I tell you the truth: Jesus’ response was as strong as an oath meaning, “[May God’s judgment fall upon me] if I give this generation any such sign.” Such oaths express an unbending commitment (see Gen 14:22-23; Num 32:10-11; Ruth 1:17; 1 Sam 3:17; 20:13; 2 Sam 3:35; 19:13). • Jesus elsewhere describes this generation as “adulterous and sinful” (Mark 8:38) and “faithless” (9:19).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he sighed: Mar 3:5, Mar 7:34, Mar 9:19; Isa 53:3; Luk 19:41; Joh 11:33-38 Why: Mar 6:6; Luk 16:29-31, Luk 22:67-70; Joh 12:37-43 There: Mat 12:39, Mat 12:40, Mat 16:4; Luk 11:29, Luk 11:30 Mark 8:13”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification