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Luke 11:30

For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

Luke 11:30 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, Jesus is drawing a parallel between the prophet Jonah and himself. Just as Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance, so Jesus will be a sign to the people of his generation. The story of Jonah is one of disobedience, repentance, and redemption. Despite his initial reluctance, Jonah eventually obeyed God's call to preach to the people of Nineveh, and they responded by turning from their wicked ways and seeking forgiveness. In the same way, Jesus came to proclaim a message of salvation and calling people to repentance. He is the ultimate sign of God's love and mercy, inviting all to turn from sin and receive the gift of eternal life. By comparing himself to Jonah, Jesus emphasizes the urgency of his message and the need for people to respond to it with faith and obedience.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse 'For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation,' one can see the parallels between the Jonah and Jesus. In the Old Testament, Jonah was sent by God to deliver a message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Despite initially resisting, Jonah eventually obeyed God's command and the Ninevites turned from their wicked ways, leading to their salvation. Similarly, Jesus came to earth to bring a message of salvation and repentance to all people. By likening Himself to Jonah, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of His message and the urgency of repentance. Just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, Jesus is a sign to His generation and to all future generations, calling them to turn from their sins and turn towards God.

Luke 11:30 in other translations

American Standard Version

For even as Jonah became a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.

World English Bible

For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will also the Son of Man be to this generation.

Douay-Rheims

For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninivites; so shall the Son of man also be to this generation.

Geneva Bible (1599)

For as Ionas was a signe to the Niniuites: so shall also the Sonne of man bee to this generation.