Matthew 16:4 originally read “the sign of Jonah”; “the prophet” is a later scribal clarification and likely a harmonization to Matthew 12:39.
Why Does Matthew 16:4 Read “The Sign of Jonah” Rather Than “The Sign of Jonah the Prophet”?
Matthew 16:2b–3a and the Secondary Red Sky Saying in the Manuscript Tradition
Matthew 16:2b–3a is a secondary interpolation, added to clarify Jesus’ reply and influenced by Luke 12:54–56 rather than written by Matthew.
Textual Variants in Matthew 16: A Documentary Examination
Textual commentary on Matthew 16 examining major variants, including the debated “red sky” saying and scribal expansions in key verses.
