John 2:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign show you to us, seeing that you do these things?
American King James Version (AKJV)
Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign show you to us, seeing that you do these things?
American Standard Version (ASV)
The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Then the Jews put this question to him: What sign of authority have you to give us, seeing that you do these things?
Webster's Revision
Then answered the Jews, and said to him, What sign showest thou to us, seeing that thou doest these things?
World English Bible
The Jews therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?"
English Revised Version (ERV)
The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Clarke's John 2:18 Bible Commentary
What sign showest thou - See on Matthew 12:38 (note); Matthew 16:1 (note). When Moses came to deliver Israel, he gave signs, or miracles, that he acted under a Divine commission. What miracle dost thou work to show us that thou art vested with similar authority?
Barnes's John 2:18 Bible Commentary
What sign ... - What "miracle" dost thou work? He assumed the character of a prophet. He was reforming, by his "authority," the temple. It was natural to ask by what authority this was done; and as they had been accustomed to miracles in the life of Moses, and Elijah, and the other prophets, so they demanded evidence that he had authority thus to cleanse the house of God.
Seeing that thou doest - Rather "by what title or authority thou doest these things." Our translation is ambiguous. They wished to know "by what miracle" he had shown, or could show, his right to do those things.
Wesley's John 2:18 Bible Commentary
2:18 Then answered the Jews - Either some of those whom he had just driven out, or their friends: What sign showest thou? - So they require a miracle, to confirm a miracle!
