New International VersionThe men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.
New Living TranslationThe people of Nineveh will also stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.
English Standard VersionThe men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Berean Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.
Berean Literal BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it. For they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, greater than Jonah is here.
King James BibleThe men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
New King James VersionThe men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.
New American Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
NASB 1995“The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
NASB 1977“The men of Nineveh shall stand up with this generation at the judgment and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Legacy Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Amplified BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up [as witnesses] at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and look, something greater than Jonah is here.
Christian Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah’s preaching, and look—something greater than Jonah is here.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at Jonah’s proclamation, and look—something greater than Jonah is here!
American Standard VersionThe 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.
Contemporary English VersionThe people of Nineveh will also stand there with you and condemn you. They turned to God when Jonah preached, and yet here is something far greater than Jonah.
English Revised VersionThe 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe men of Nineveh will stand up at the time of judgment with the people living today. Since the men of Nineveh turned to God and changed the way they thought and acted when Jonah spoke his message, they will condemn the people living today. But look, someone greater than Jonah is here!
Good News TranslationOn the Judgment Day the people of Nineveh will stand up and accuse you, because they turned from their sins when they heard Jonah preach; and I assure you that there is something here greater than Jonah!
International Standard VersionThe men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment and condemn the people living today, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. But look, something greater than Jonah is here!"
NET BibleThe people of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented when Jonah preached to them--and now, something greater than Jonah is here!
New Heart English BibleThe people of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and look, one greater than Jonah is here.
Webster's Bible TranslationThe men of Nineveh shall rise 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.
Weymouth New TestamentThere will stand up men of Nineveh at the Judgement together with the present generation, and will condemn it; because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and mark! One greater than Jonah is here. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.
World English BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, one greater than Jonah is here. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMen of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, because they converted at the proclamation of Jonah; and behold, [One] greater than Jonah [is] here!
Berean Literal BibleThe men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it. For they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, greater than Jonah is here.
Young's Literal Translation 'Men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, because they reformed at the proclamation of Jonah; and lo, greater than Jonah here!
Smith's Literal TranslationThe Ninevite men shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and condemn it: for they repented at the proclamation of Jonas; and, behold, more than Jonas here. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe men of Ninive shall rise in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; because they did penance at the preaching of Jonas; and behold more than Jonas here.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThe men of Nineveh will rise up, at the judgment, with this generation, and they will condemn it. For at the preaching of Jonah, they repented. And behold, more than Jonah is here.
New American BibleAt the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.
New Revised Standard VersionThe people of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the proclamation of Jonah, and see, something greater than Jonah is here! Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe men of Nineveh will rise up in judgment against this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“The Ninevite men will rise in judgment with this generation and they shall condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah and behold, he who is greater than Jonah is here.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThe men of Nineveh shall rise in the judgment with this generation, and condemn it; for they repented in accordance with the preaching of Jonah; and lo something greater than Jonah is here.
Godbey New Testament
The men of Nineveh will rise in judgment with this generation, and condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold a greater than Jonah is here.
Haweis New Testament
The men of Nineveh shall rise up in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented on the preaching of Jonah, and, behold, a greater than Jonah is here.
Mace New Testament
the people of Nineve shall rise up in the day of Judgment, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; but now, a greater than Jonas is here.
Weymouth New Testament
There will stand up men of Nineveh at the Judgement together with the present generation, and will condemn it; because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and mark! One greater than Jonah is here.
Worrell New Testament
"The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and condemn it; because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and, behold,something more than Jonah is here.
Worsley New Testament
And the men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgement against this generation, and condemn it; for they repented upon the preaching of Jonas, and behold a greater than Jonasis here.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Sign of Jonah… 31The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here. 32The menof Ninevehwill standatthejudgmentwiththisgenerationandcondemnit;forthey repentedatthepreachingof Jonah,andnowOne greaterthan Jonahis here.33No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.…
Cross References Jonah 3:5-10And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ...
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here.
Matthew 12:39-42Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. / For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. / The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now One greater than Jonah is here. ...
Luke 11:29-31As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. / The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now One greater than Solomon is here.
Matthew 16:4A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Then He left them and went away.
Jonah 1:1-2Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, / “Get up! Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me.”
Jonah 4:1-2Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry. / So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.
Acts 17:30-31Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. / For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
Romans 2:4-5Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? / But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
Matthew 11:20-24Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...
Ezekiel 3:6-7not to the many peoples of unfamiliar speech and difficult language whose words you cannot understand. Surely if I had sent you to them, they would have listened to you. / But the house of Israel will be unwilling to listen to you, since they are unwilling to listen to Me. For the whole house of Israel is hard-headed and hard-hearted.
Jeremiah 3:11And the LORD said to me, “Faithless Israel has shown herself more righteous than unfaithful Judah.
Jeremiah 18:7-8At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. / But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring.
1 Kings 10:1-9Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain. ...
2 Chronicles 9:1-8Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. / When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, the palace he had built, ...
Treasury of Scripture The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. men. Jonah 3:5-10 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them… a greater. Jonah 1:2,3 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me… Jonah 4:1-4,9 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry… Hebrews 7:26 For such an high priest became us,who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Jump to Previous CondemnDecisionGenerationGreaterJonahJonasJudgementJudgingJudgmentMarkNinevehNin'evehPreachingPresentReformedRepentedRiseSinsSomethingStandTogetherTurnedJump to Next CondemnDecisionGenerationGreaterJonahJonasJudgementJudgingJudgmentMarkNinevehNin'evehPreachingPresentReformedRepentedRiseSinsSomethingStandTogetherTurnedLuke 11 1.Jesus teaches us to pray, and that instantly;11.assuring us that God will give all good things to those who ask him.14.He, casting out a demon, rebukes the blasphemous Pharisees;27.and shows who are blessed;29.preaches to the people;37.and reprimands the outward show of holiness.The men of Nineveh will stand at the judgment with this generation and condemn it;The men of Nineveh refer to the inhabitants of the ancient Assyrian city who repented after hearing Jonah's message. Nineveh was a significant city, known for its size and influence, and its people were notorious for their wickedness. Jonah 3:5-10 describes their repentance, which was so profound that even the king of Nineveh humbled himself. The judgment mentioned here is the final judgment, a common theme in biblical eschatology, where all people will be held accountable for their actions. The phrase "this generation" refers to the contemporaries of Jesus, particularly those who witnessed His ministry yet remained unrepentant. The condemnation by the Ninevites highlights the greater accountability of those who have seen and heard Jesus, the Messiah, compared to those who only heard Jonah. for they repented at the preaching of Jonah,
Jonah's preaching was a call to repentance, and despite his initial reluctance, his message was effective. The Ninevites' response is significant because it demonstrates the power of God's word to bring about change, even through a reluctant prophet.Jonah 3:4-5 records that Jonah's message was simple yet powerful, leading to widespread repentance. This historical event serves as a contrast to the response of Jesus' contemporaries, who had the benefit of witnessing His miracles and hearing His teachings firsthand, yet many remained unrepentant. The Ninevites' repentance is a testament to their recognition of God's authority and mercy. and now One greater than Jonah is here.
This phrase identifies Jesus as greater than Jonah, emphasizing His superiority in both message and person. Jonah was a prophet, but Jesus is the Son of God, bringing a message of salvation and the kingdom of God. The comparison underscores the gravity of rejecting Jesus, who embodies the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate revelation of God's will. Jesus' ministry included miracles, teachings, and His sacrificial death and resurrection, all of which surpass Jonah's mission. This statement also aligns with the broader biblical theme of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament types and prophecies, such as inMatthew 12:41, where Jesus similarly references Jonah. The presence of Jesus, the Messiah, demands a response of faith and repentance, highlighting the urgency and importance of His message. Persons / Places / Events 1. The Men of NinevehInhabitants of the ancient city of Nineveh, who repented after hearing Jonah's message. 2. JonahA prophet sent by God to Nineveh to call the city to repentance. 3. This GenerationRefers to the people living during Jesus' time who were witnessing His ministry. 4. JudgmentThe future event where all people will be judged by God. 5. JesusReferred to as "one greater than Jonah," emphasizing His authority and the significance of His message. Teaching Points The Call to RepentanceJust as Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching, we are called to respond to Jesus' message with repentance. The Authority of JesusJesus is greater than Jonah, highlighting the importance of His teachings and the urgency of responding to His call. Accountability and JudgmentThe reference to judgment serves as a reminder of our accountability before God and the need to live in accordance with His will. The Power of God's WordThe transformation of Nineveh underscores the power of God's word to bring about change and redemption. The Urgency of the GospelThe comparison to Nineveh emphasizes the urgency of accepting the gospel message today, as we have the full revelation of God in Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 11:32?
2.How does Luke 11:32 emphasize the importance of repentance in Christian life?
3.What lessons can we learn from Nineveh's response to Jonah's preaching?
4.How does Luke 11:32 connect to the broader theme of judgment in Scripture?
5.In what ways can we apply Nineveh's example of repentance today?
6.Why is Jesus' message in Luke 11:32 relevant for modern believers?
7.What is the significance of Nineveh's repentance in Luke 11:32 for modern believers?
8.How does Luke 11:32 challenge the concept of judgment and repentance?
9.Why does Jesus reference Jonah in Luke 11:32, and what does it imply about His mission?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 11?
11.Jonah 4:11 – Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that Nineveh underwent such widespread repentance to justify Jonah’s reaction in this chapter?
12.Jonah 3:6 – Why would the king of such a powerful city immediately accept Jonah’s message and call for fasting and repentance?
13.In Luke 11:31, is there credible historical evidence affirming that the Queen of the South recognized a divine wisdom comparable to, or foreshadowing, that of Jesus?
14.How does Psalm 11:6's description of raining coals and brimstone fit with other biblical accounts that emphasize mercy over destruction?What Does Luke 11:32 Mean The men of Nineveh“The men of Nineveh” points back toJonah 3, where a brutally pagan city heard a brief eight-word sermon and “believed God” (Jonah 3:5). Jesus treats that historic repentance as fact, not legend. • The Ninevites were Gentiles, showing God’s mercy reaches beyond Israel (cf.Isaiah 49:6;Acts 10:34-35). • Their example proves that anyone—no matter how violent or far from God—can turn when confronted with truth.
Will stand at the judgmentA real, future, universal judgment is assumed. “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). • “Stand” pictures resurrection and personal appearance before God’s bar (Daniel 12:2;Revelation 20:12). • The risen Ninevites will be eyewitnesses, their historical response brought into evidence.
With this generationJesus addresses His contemporaries who have seen His miracles yet demand more signs (Luke 11:29-30). • “This generation” chose skepticism over surrender (Matthew 11:16-20). • Proximity to truth increases accountability (Romans 2:4-5).
And condemn itThe comparison itself is the condemnation. • The repentant pagans expose the hardness of religious insiders (Romans 2:27). • Their witness will affirm God’s justice: He never condemns without clear, fair evidence (Psalm 51:4).
For they repented at the preaching of JonahRepentance—turning from sin toward God—was sparked by a reluctant prophet’s single warning. • No miracles accompanied Jonah’s message, only the bare word of God (Jonah 3:4). • God honored their swift response, sparing the city (Jonah 3:10), illustrating that genuine repentance always moves God’s heart (Isaiah 55:6-7).
And now One greater than Jonah is hereJesus is “greater” in every conceivable way: • Greater messenger—sent willingly by the Father (John 3:17). • Greater authority—speaking as the eternal Word (John 1:1-14). • Greater sign—Jonah emerged from a fish; Jesus rose from the grave (Matthew 12:40;1 Corinthians 15:4). • Greater grace—offering not just reprieve from temporal judgment but everlasting life (John 3:16). Rejecting Him is therefore a far graver offense (Hebrews 2:3).
summaryLuke 11:32 warns that past responders to lesser light will stand as living proof against those who spurn the fullest revelation in Christ. The humble repentance of Nineveh contrasts with the proud unbelief of Jesus’ hearers—and of anyone today who ignores the risen, greater-than-Jonah Savior. The verse calls us to respond quickly and wholeheartedly to the One whose word and resurrection leave every excuse forever silenced. Verse 32. - The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. And these poor sinners of the wicked city of Nineveh, they, too, will join in approval of the sad condemnation of the chosen people. In Nineveh. when Jonah appeared among them and bade them repent, they obeyed the solemn warning voice. Lo! a greater Preacher far than Jonah was in their midst; but, alas! Israel was deaf.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [The] menἄνδρες(andres)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 435:A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.of NinevehΝινευῖται(Nineuitai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3536:A Ninevite, an inhabitant of Nineveh, a city on the Tigris in Assyria. From Nineui; a Ninevite, i.e. Inhabitant of Nineveh.will standἀναστήσονται(anastēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 450:To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up.atἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.theτῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.judgmentκρίσει(krisei)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2920:Decision; by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice.withμετὰ(meta)Preposition
Strong's 3326:(a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.thisταύτης(tautēs)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.generationγενεᾶς(geneas)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1074:From genos; a generation; by implication, an age.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.condemnκατακρινοῦσιν(katakrinousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2632:To condemn, judge worthy of punishment. From kata and krino; to judge against, i.e. Sentence.it;αὐτήν(autēn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.forὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.they repentedμετενόησαν(metenoēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3340:From meta and noieo; to think differently or afterwards, i.e. Reconsider.atεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.preachingκήρυγμα(kērygma)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2782:A proclamation, preaching. From kerusso; a proclamation.of Jonah,Ἰωνᾶ(Iōna)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2495:(Hebrew), Jonah, the Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Jonas, the name of two Israelites.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.nowἰδοὺ(idou)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2400:See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo![One] greaterπλεῖον(pleion)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular - Comparative
Strong's 4119:Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.than JonahἸωνᾶ(Iōna)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2495:(Hebrew), Jonah, the Hebrew prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Jonas, the name of two Israelites.[is] here.ὧδε(hōde)Adverb
Strong's 5602:From an adverb form of hode; in this same spot, i.e. Here or hither.
Links Luke 11:32 NIVLuke 11:32 NLTLuke 11:32 ESVLuke 11:32 NASBLuke 11:32 KJV
Luke 11:32 BibleApps.comLuke 11:32 Biblia ParalelaLuke 11:32 Chinese BibleLuke 11:32 French BibleLuke 11:32 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 11:32 The men of Nineveh will stand up (Luke Lu Lk) |
