{To the multitudes also} (kai tois ochlois). After the
strong and stirring words just before with flash and force Jesus
turns finally in this series of discourses to the multitudes
again as in verse  15 . There are similar sayings to these verses
 54-59  in  Mt 16:1f  5:25f . There is a good deal of difference
in phraseology whether that is due to difference of source or
different use of the same source (Q or Logia) we do not know. Not
all the old MSS. give  Mt 16:2,3 . In Matthew the Pharisees and
Sadducees were asking for a sign from heaven as they often did.
These signs of the weather, "a shower" (ombros,  Lu 12:54 ) due
to clouds in the west, "a hot wave" (kaus(936e), verse 55) due to a
south wind (
oton) blowing, "fair weather" (eudia,  Mt 16:2 )
when the sky is red, are appealed to today. They have a more or
less general application due to atmospheric and climatic
conditions.