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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Mar_8:11-12
11The Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. 12Sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation." 13Leaving them, He again embarked and went away to the other side.
Mar_8:11 "Pharisees. . .began to argue with Him" This was a common occurrence. They could not deny His authority, power, or popularity, so they tried to trick Him into answering questions which would alienate part of His audience. See Special Topic on Pharisees at Mar_2:16.
▣ "a sign from heaven" In John's Gospel the word "sign" had a special meaning, but here it refers to the Pharisees' request for proof of His authority, possibly (1) a prediction (cf. Deu_13:2-5; Deu_18:18-22); (2) a heavenly sign (cf. Isa_7:11; Isa_38:7-8); or (3) an apocalyptic sign (militaristic victory over enemies).
▣ "to test Him" The word peirazô has the connotation of to try, test, or tempt "with a view of destruction." This may be a veiled reference to the unbelief of the wilderness wanderings (cf. Exo_17:7; Num_14:11-12; Num_14:22; Deu_33:8). See Special Topic on Greek Terms for "Testing" at Mar_1:13.
Mar_8:12 "Sighing deeply" This is a compound and thereby intensified form of "groaned" (cf. Mar_7:34). Jesus had showed them His authority already by deed and word, but their spiritual blindness remained.
▣ "in His spirit" This refers to Jesus' personhood (cf. Mar_2:8). It has the same connotation in Mar_14:38 in respect to human beings. The term "spirit" is used in Mark for
1. the Holy Spirit (Mar_1:10; Mar_1:12)
2. unclean spirits (i.e., demons, Mar_1:23; Mar_1:26-27; Mar_3:11; Mar_3:30; Mar_5:2; Mar_5:8; Mar_5:13; Mar_6:7; Mar_7:25; Mar_9:17; Mar_9:20; Mar_9:25)
3. the human spirit (Mar_2:8; Mar_8:12; Mar_14:38)
▣ "'this generation'" This term also has OT implications connected to the wilderness wandering period (cf. Num_32:13; Deu_1:35; Deu_32:5; Deu_32:20).
▣ "Truly" This is literally "amen." See Special Topic "Amen" at Mar_3:28.
▣ "'I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation'" This is a Hebrew idiom of strong negation (not a Greek conditional sentence) involving an understood, yet unexpressed, oath. When compared to Mat_16:4 Jesus obviously meant no further signs. Jesus had given them many signs (i.e., OT prophecies fulfilled in His acts and words), but they refused to accept them or Him because He challenged their traditions, cultural position, and popularity.
Mar_8:13 Jesus traveled extensively in northern Palestine because He wanted all to hear His message but also because of the press of the crowds.