Matthew 16:21

KJV

¶ From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

KJV (with Strong's)

From {G575} that time forth {G5119} began {G756} Jesus {G2424} to shew {G1166} unto his {G846} disciples {G3101}, how that {G3754} he {G846} must {G1163} go {G565} unto {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}, and {G2532} suffer {G3958} many things {G4183} of {G575} the elders {G4245} and {G2532} chief priests {G749} and {G2532} scribes {G1122}, and {G2532} be killed {G615}, and {G2532} be raised again {G1453} the third {G5154} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From that time on, Yeshua began making it clear to his talmidim that he had to go to Yerushalayim and endure much suffering at the hands of the elders, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers; and that he had to be put to death; but that on the third day, he had to be raised to life.

Berean Standard Bible

From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.

American Standard Version

From that time began Jesus to show unto his disciples, that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 16:21 marks a pivotal moment in Jesus's ministry, immediately following Peter's confession of Him as the Christ. For the first time, Jesus explicitly reveals to His disciples the divine necessity of His impending suffering, death at the hands of the Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem, and His glorious resurrection on the third day. This declaration fundamentally redefines the disciples' understanding of Messiahship, shifting from a conquering king to a suffering servant, and sets the stage for the profound challenges and ultimate triumph of the Gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a dramatic turning point, often referred to as the "first passion prediction." It directly follows [Peter's profound confession](/matthew/16-16 "Matthew 16:16 - Peter's Confession of Christ") of Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). This confession, divinely revealed to Peter, confirms Jesus's true identity. However, Jesus immediately pivots from this high point of recognition to unveil the difficult, counter-intuitive path of suffering and death that awaits Him. The stark contrast between the disciples' messianic expectations and Jesus's reality is underscored by [Peter's subsequent rebuke of Jesus](/matthew/16-22 "Matthew 16:22 - Peter Rebukes Jesus") in the very next verse, demonstrating the disciples' struggle to comprehend a suffering Messiah. This passage also sets the stage for Jesus's teaching on the cost of discipleship in [Matthew 16:24-28](/matthew/16-24-28 "Matthew 16:24-28 - The Cost of Discipleship"), linking His path of suffering to the call for His followers to take up their own crosses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish messianic expectations were predominantly shaped by prophecies of a Davidic king who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression and establish a glorious earthly kingdom. There was little popular understanding or expectation of a suffering Messiah, despite Old Testament prophecies like those in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"). The "elders and chief priests and scribes" represented the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council. These groups held significant power and authority within Jewish society and were often in opposition to Jesus, viewing Him as a threat to their authority and interpretations of the Law. Jerusalem was the religious and political capital, the destined place for the Messiah's arrival, but also the place where the ultimate confrontation between Jesus and the religious establishment would occur.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 16:21 introduces and reinforces several critical themes. The most prominent is the **Divine Necessity of Suffering and Resurrection**, indicated by Jesus's statement that He "must" (Greek: *dei*) go to Jerusalem and suffer. This signifies that these events were not accidental but part of God's sovereign, preordained plan for salvation, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions")). This also involves a **Redefinition of Messiahship**, challenging the popular notion of a conquering king and revealing a Messiah who achieves victory through sacrificial death and resurrection. The **Centrality of the Resurrection** is equally vital, as Jesus explicitly states He "must... be raised again the third day." This promise transforms the tragedy of His death into a triumphant victory, serving as the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the ultimate validation of Jesus's claims. Finally, it foreshadows the **Cost of Discipleship**, preparing the disciples for the reality that following such a Messiah would also involve suffering and self-denial.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies a divine imperative or necessity. It communicates that Jesus's journey to Jerusalem, His suffering, death, and resurrection were not optional or accidental events, but rather an integral and indispensable part of God's sovereign plan for redemption. It underscores the predetermined nature of Christ's mission and the fulfillment of prophetic scripture.
* **Suffer (Greek, _páschō'_):** This word denotes experiencing a sensation or impression, typically a painful one. In this context, it highlights the real, human agony and tribulation Jesus would endure. It encompasses not only physical pain but also emotional and spiritual anguish, emphasizing the depth of His sacrifice as He bore the sins of humanity.
* **Be raised again (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means to waken, rouse, or lift up, often from sleep, a lying position, or from death. Its use here is crucial, as it points to the miraculous, divine act of resurrection. It signifies not merely a resuscitation but a triumphant victory over death, confirming Jesus's divine power and validating His entire ministry and claims.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples":** This phrase marks a significant turning point in Jesus's public ministry. "From that time forth" (Greek: *tóte*) indicates a new phase of explicit teaching. Up until this point, Jesus had often spoken in parables or alluded to His destiny. Now, He begins to "shew" (Greek: *deiknýō*), meaning to reveal, declare, or make known clearly and explicitly, the difficult truths about His impending passion to His closest followers.
* **"how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed":** This clause details the specific trajectory and nature of Jesus's suffering. The "must" (Greek: *deî*) emphasizes divine necessity. He "must go unto Jerusalem," the destined place for His ultimate confrontation and sacrifice. His suffering would be "many things" (Greek: *polýs*), indicating varied and intense afflictions. The perpetrators are explicitly named: "the elders and chief priests and scribes," representing the Jewish religious establishment who would condemn Him. The culmination of this suffering would be His violent death: He would "be killed" (Greek: *apokteínō*).
* **"and be raised again the third day":** This final, triumphant clause provides the essential hope and ultimate victory that transforms the preceding tragedy. Jesus unequivocally predicts His resurrection, stating that He would "be raised again" (Greek: *egeírō*) on "the third day" (Greek: *trítos hēméra*). This promise is the cornerstone of the Gospel, ensuring that His death is not the end but the means to new life and the inauguration of God's eternal kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 16:21 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Jesus explicitly predicts His future suffering, death, and resurrection. This direct prophecy builds dramatic tension and prepares the reader (and the disciples) for the events of the Passion week. There is also a powerful sense of **Irony**, as the very religious leaders—the "elders and chief priests and scribes"—who should have recognized and welcomed the Messiah, are identified as those who will orchestrate His death. This highlights their spiritual blindness and the tragic rejection of God's chosen one. Furthermore, the verse uses **Contrast** to juxtapose the glorious confession of Peter in the preceding verses with the grim reality of Jesus's impending suffering. This stark contrast underscores the radical redefinition of Messiahship that Jesus is presenting, challenging conventional expectations and revealing a path of redemptive sacrifice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 16:21 is profoundly significant because it articulates the very essence of the Gospel: the necessity of Christ's atoning death and His victorious resurrection. It reveals God's sovereign plan for salvation, demonstrating that Jesus's suffering was not a tragic accident but a divinely ordained means to reconcile humanity to God. This verse underscores that the cross and the empty tomb are inseparable, forming the foundation of Christian hope and the power of God unto salvation. It also highlights the tension between human expectations of glory and God's pathway of humility and sacrifice, a theme central to understanding both Christ's mission and the nature of true discipleship.

* [Isaiah 53:4-6](/isaiah/53-4-6 "Isaiah 53:4-6 - The Suffering Servant")
* [Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Luke 24:46-47 - Christ's Suffering and Resurrection Foretold")
* [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 16:21 serves as a profound reminder that the path to true glory often involves suffering, a truth exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ. For believers, this verse calls us to embrace God's sovereign plan, even when it challenges our preconceived notions or involves personal hardship. Just as Jesus willingly submitted to the Father's will, we are invited to trust in His perfect wisdom, knowing that His ultimate purpose is always redemptive. It reminds us that the Gospel is not merely about a triumphant king but about a suffering servant who achieved victory through sacrifice. This understanding shapes our discipleship, preparing us to face difficulties with faith, knowing that suffering is often a prelude to resurrection and new life, both for Christ and for those who follow Him. It challenges us to align our expectations with God's revealed truth, finding hope not in worldly power but in the transformative power of the cross and the empty tomb.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my expectations of God's plan for my life align with, or diverge from, the pattern of suffering before glory exemplified by Christ in this verse?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "rebuke" God's plan when it involves hardship, similar to Peter's initial reaction?**
* **How does the certainty of Christ's resurrection "the third day" provide hope and strength in the face of current difficulties or losses?**
* **What does Matthew 16:21 teach me about the true nature of leadership and servanthood in the Kingdom of God?**

### FAQ
**Why was it "necessary" for Jesus to suffer and die, according to this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word for "must" (G1163, *deî*) signifies a divine necessity or imperative. It indicates that Jesus's suffering, death, and resurrection were not accidental events but were part of God's predetermined, sovereign plan for the redemption of humanity. This necessity was rooted in Old Testament prophecies concerning the suffering servant (e.g., [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant")) and the need for a perfect sacrifice to atone for sin and fulfill the demands of God's justice. Jesus's death was the means by which He would secure salvation, defeat sin and death, and establish His kingdom. His resurrection was the ultimate validation of His identity and work, demonstrating His victory and power over death.

**Who were the "elders and chief priests and scribes," and why were they involved in Jesus's suffering?**

Answer: These three groups represented the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish religious and judicial council in Jerusalem. The "elders" (G4245, *presbýteros*) were respected leaders and heads of families. The "chief priests" (G749, *archiereús*) included the high priest and leading members of the priestly families. The "scribes" (G1122, *grammateús*) were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for interpreting and teaching it. These groups largely opposed Jesus because His teachings and claims challenged their authority, their interpretations of the Law, and their understanding of the Messiah. They perceived Him as a threat to their religious and political power, leading them to orchestrate His arrest, trial, and condemnation, as detailed in the Passion narratives (e.g., [Matthew 26-27](/matthew/26 "Matthew 26 - Jesus's Betrayal and Arrest") and [Matthew 27](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - Jesus's Crucifixion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 16:21 stands as a foundational declaration of Christ's mission, revealing that His path of suffering, death, and resurrection was not a deviation but the very essence of His messianic fulfillment. This verse perfectly encapsulates the Gospel message: Jesus, the Son of God, willingly embraced the Father's predetermined plan to "suffer many things... and be killed, and be raised again the third day." His suffering was the atoning sacrifice, fulfilling the prophetic image of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing our sins in His body on the cross ([1 Peter 2:24](/1_peter/2-24 "1 Peter 2:24 - Christ Bore Our Sins")). His death was not a defeat but the ultimate victory over sin and death, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers")). Crucially, the prediction of His resurrection "the third day" is the triumphant capstone, validating His divine identity and ensuring the hope of eternal life for all who believe. This resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, demonstrating Christ's power to conquer death and guaranteeing our own future resurrection and glorification with Him ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Resurrection Power")). Thus, Matthew 16:21 points directly to the finished work of Christ on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which He secured salvation and inaugurated the new covenant, making Him the central figure of God's redemptive history.

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.

Cross-References

Luke 24:6

He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Luke 24:7

Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

Matthew 17:22

¶ And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

Matthew 17:23

And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

Matthew 20:17

¶ And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

Matthew 20:19

And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew 17:12

But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.