2:19 2:19

John 2:20

2:21 2:21

Bible Versions

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Then {G3767} said {G2036} the Jews {G2453}, Forty {G5062} and {G2532} six {G1803} years {G2094} was {G3618} this {G3778} temple {G3485} in building {G3618}, and {G2532} wilt {G1453} thou {G4771} rear {G1453} it {G846} up {G1453} in {G1722} three {G5140} days {G2250}?
The Judeans said, “It took years to build this Temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?”
“This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?”
The Jews therefore said, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days?

In John 2:20, the Jewish leaders respond to Jesus' enigmatic statement in John 2:19, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Their reply reveals a profound misunderstanding of His words, focusing solely on the physical structure of Herod's Temple.

Context and Misunderstanding

This verse is part of the narrative where Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, an act that challenges the religious establishment. When questioned about His authority, Jesus offers a cryptic prophecy. The Jews, hearing "temple," immediately think of the magnificent building before them. Their statement, "Forty and six years was this temple in building," highlights the immense scale and ongoing nature of Herod the Great's renovation of the Second Temple. This massive project, which began around 20-19 BC, was still under construction during Jesus' ministry and would not be fully completed until AD 63. For them, the idea of rebuilding such a monumental structure in just three days was utterly preposterous and impossible, underscoring their literal interpretation and lack of spiritual insight into Jesus' true meaning.

Key Themes

  • The Misunderstanding of Spiritual Truth: The primary theme is the stark contrast between human literalism and divine spiritual meaning. The Jewish leaders could not grasp that Jesus was speaking symbolically, pointing to a deeper reality beyond the physical structure.
  • The True Temple: While the Jews focused on the stone edifice, John 2:21 clarifies that Jesus "spake of the temple of his body." This statement foreshadows His death and resurrection, positioning His resurrected body as the ultimate dwelling place of God, replacing the need for a physical temple.
  • Transition from Physical to Spiritual: This exchange subtly introduces the New Covenant idea that God's presence would no longer be confined to a building but would reside in Christ and, subsequently, in believers (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word used for "temple" here is naos (ναός), which specifically refers to the inner sanctuary or holy place where God's presence was believed to dwell, as opposed to the broader temple complex (hieron). Jesus' choice of this word, and John's subsequent explanation, emphasizes that He was speaking about the sacred, divine dwelling place within Himself, not merely the outer courts or the entire structure.

Reflection and Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's ways and words are often beyond human comprehension. Like the Jews, we can sometimes miss the spiritual significance of Jesus' teachings by clinging to literal or worldly interpretations. The true "temple" is now Christ Himself and, by extension, His body, the Church (Ephesians 2:20-22). This verse challenges us to look beyond the superficial and seek deeper spiritual understanding, recognizing that God's presence is not limited to physical structures but dwells among His people through the resurrected Christ, who rose on the third day as He promised (Luke 24:46).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

No cross-references found for this verse.

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