What is the meaning of Luke 11:29?

As the crowds were increasing

“Now when the crowds were gathering together...” (Luke 11:29)

• Jesus’ popularity is soaring after casting out a demon (Luke 11:14).

• Yet swelling numbers do not equal true faith; crowds often sought spectacle rather than surrender (John 6:26).

• Similar moments appear in Mark 3:7-8 and Luke 12:1, where large gatherings become a backdrop for heart-searching words.

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Jesus said

“…He began to say…” (Luke 11:29)

• The Lord never lets surface enthusiasm distract Him; He speaks directly, authoritatively (Mark 1:22).

• His words cut through noise and expose motives (Hebrews 4:12).

• Addressing the entire throng, He treats every listener as personally responsible for their response.

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This is a wicked generation

“ ‘This is a wicked generation…’ ” (Luke 11:29)

• “Wicked” highlights moral corruption and spiritual obstinacy, echoing Deuteronomy 32:5 and Philippians 2:15.

• In Matthew’s parallel, He adds “adulterous” (Matthew 12:39), indicting covenant unfaithfulness.

• The problem is not lack of evidence but hardened hearts (Luke 11:15-16; Romans 1:21).

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It demands a sign

“ ‘…It demands a sign…’ ” (Luke 11:29)

• The crowd wants a greater miracle on demand—proof on their terms (John 2:18; Matthew 16:1).

• Miracles already abounded (Luke 7:22), but unbelief always asks for “one more.”

• Sign-seeking can mask refusal to submit; faith built on demands is not faith at all (Hebrews 11:6).

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None will be given it except the sign of Jonah

“ ‘…but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.’ ” (Luke 11:29)

• Jonah spent “three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish” (Jonah 1:17), foreshadowing Christ’s burial and resurrection (Matthew 12:40; Luke 24:46).

• The ultimate sign is the empty tomb—historical, decisive, sufficient.

• As Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3:5), so must this generation repent at the gospel (Acts 17:30-31).

• Refusing the resurrection leaves no further proof forthcoming (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

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summary

Luke 11:29 exposes a crowd dazzled by miracles yet resistant to repentant faith. Jesus brands such people “wicked” because they make belief conditional upon ever-new signs. He promises only one undeniable proof: His death, burial, and resurrection—the “sign of Jonah.” The passage calls every listener to stop bargaining with God, accept the risen Christ, and turn from sin while evidence still rings from the empty tomb.