Matthew 23:39

KJV

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Ye shall {G1492} not {G3364} see {G1492} me {G3165} henceforth {G575}{G737}, till {G2193}{G302} ye shall say {G2036}, Blessed {G2127} is he that cometh {G2064} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I tell you, from now on, you will not see me again until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of ADONAI.'"

Berean Standard Bible

For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

American Standard Version

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:39 concludes Jesus' final public discourse in Jerusalem, a profound lament over the city and a scathing indictment of its religious leadership. This verse serves as a powerful prophetic declaration, signaling a temporary withdrawal of Jesus' visible presence from the nation of Israel until a future day when they will collectively acknowledge Him as their long-awaited Messiah, joyfully welcoming Him with the very acclamation they failed to sustain during His first advent. It is a statement of divine judgment intertwined with an enduring promise of future restoration and recognition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic conclusion to Jesus' "Woes against the Scribes and Pharisees" in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes Against the Scribes and Pharisees"). Preceding this, Jesus delivers seven pronouncements of judgment against the hypocritical religious leaders, exposing their self-righteousness and spiritual blindness. Immediately before verse 39, Jesus expresses a deeply emotional lament over Jerusalem itself in [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem"), comparing His desire to gather Israel to a hen gathering her chicks, but lamenting their unwillingness. The declaration in verse 39, therefore, acts as a final, somber pronouncement of departure and a prophetic glimpse into a future, conditional return. It marks a significant turning point, as Jesus' public ministry in Jerusalem effectively ends with this statement, transitioning into His private teaching to the disciples about the end times in [Matthew 24-25](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' pronouncements in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes Against the Scribes and Pharisees") occur during His final week in Jerusalem, just days before His crucifixion. The city was bustling with pilgrims for the Passover festival, a time of heightened religious and nationalistic fervor. The religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, held significant power and influence, often prioritizing external rituals and human traditions over genuine heart transformation and divine righteousness. The phrase "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" (from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - A Messianic Psalm")) was a traditional acclamation for pilgrims entering Jerusalem, especially during festivals. Crucially, it was also the very greeting shouted by the crowds during Jesus' [Triumphal Entry](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - The Triumphal Entry") just days earlier. Jesus' re-application of this phrase here, in the context of His departure, underscores the tragic irony of their initial, fleeting recognition followed by widespread rejection, and points to a future, genuine national welcome.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, as Israel's rejection of their Messiah leads to a period of spiritual separation and the desolation of their "house" ([Matthew 23:38](/matthew/23-38 "Matthew 23:38 - Your House is Left to You Desolate")). Simultaneously, it introduces the theme of **Messianic Expectation and Future Hope**, as Jesus' departure is not permanent but conditional upon a future recognition. The phrase "till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" directly points to the theme of **Israel's Future National Conversion and Restoration**, a concept deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy (e.g., [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Israel Mourns for the Pierced One")) and further expounded in the New Testament (e.g., [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening and Future Salvation")). Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Christ's Second Coming**, providing a clear indication that His return will be visible and universally acknowledged, contrasting sharply with His initial, often unrecognized, advent.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **say (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, meaning "to lay forth," or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it signifies Jesus' authoritative and deliberate declaration, not a casual remark. His words carry the weight of divine pronouncement, setting forth a future condition for His return.
* **see (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In this context, it primarily refers to physical sight of Jesus, emphasizing His departure from their immediate presence. However, the underlying implication of "knowing" suggests that this future seeing will be accompanied by genuine recognition and understanding of His true identity as Messiah, unlike their previous spiritual blindness.
* **till (Greek, _héōs'_):** From G2193, a conjunction, preposition, and adverb of continuance, meaning "until (of time and place)." This crucial word establishes a temporal condition for Jesus' return. It signifies that His absence is not eternal but for a defined period, contingent upon a specific future action or change in attitude from the people of Jerusalem and, by extension, Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth,"**: Jesus declares a definitive cessation of His public, physical presence among them. The "henceforth" (from G575 _apó_ and G737 _árti_) signifies "from now on," marking the end of His direct, visible ministry to the nation as a whole. This is a statement of judgment, indicating a period of spiritual separation and divine withdrawal due to their rejection of Him as Messiah. It is not merely a physical departure but a cessation of the redemptive opportunity He had extended to them.
* **"till ye shall say,"**: This clause introduces the specific condition that must be met for Jesus' return. The "till" (G2193 _héōs_ combined with G302 _án_, denoting possibility or uncertainty) points to a future, definite point in time. The "ye shall say" (from G2036 _épō_) implies a collective, national acknowledgment and verbal confession. This is not a private or individual recognition, but a public and widespread declaration by the Jewish people.
* **"Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord."**: This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - A Messianic Acclamation"), a verse that was shouted by the crowds during Jesus' [Triumphal Entry](/matthew/21-9 "Matthew 21:9 - The Triumphal Entry") into Jerusalem. By using this phrase, Jesus identifies Himself as the "He that cometh in the name of the Lord" – the Messiah. Their future utterance of this phrase will signify their national repentance, belief, and genuine welcome of Him as their true Lord and King, a stark contrast to their current rejection. The word "Blessed" (G2127 _eulogéō_) implies a joyous acclamation and a divine blessing upon the one welcomed.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:39 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as Jesus declares that the very acclamation ("Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord") that was once shouted by the crowds during His Triumphal Entry, only to be quickly replaced by cries of "Crucify him!", will be the condition for His future return. This highlights the tragic spiritual blindness of the nation. The verse also functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event conditioned upon a specific national response. It is a **Conditional Statement**, setting a clear "if-then" scenario for Jesus' return. Furthermore, the use of a direct quote from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - A Messianic Prophecy") serves as an **Allusion**, grounding Jesus' claim to Messiahship in the Old Testament scriptures and emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan. The entire passage, particularly the preceding lament in [Matthew 23:37-38](/matthew/23-37-38 "Matthew 23:37-38 - Jesus' Heartfelt Lament"), is imbued with **Pathos**, conveying Jesus' deep sorrow and heartbreak over Jerusalem's rejection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:39 is a pivotal verse, not only concluding Jesus' public ministry in Matthew but also providing a profound theological statement about God's enduring covenant faithfulness to Israel and the certainty of Christ's future return. It underscores the principle that rejection of divine truth carries severe consequences, yet God's ultimate purposes for His people will prevail. The temporary "blindness" of Israel, as described by Paul in [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Plan for Israel"), is not a permanent state but part of a larger redemptive plan that culminates in their national repentance and recognition of Jesus as Messiah. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that history is moving towards a divinely appointed climax, where all will ultimately acknowledge Christ's sovereignty.

* [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")
* [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - Israel's Future Salvation")
* [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Mourning for the Pierced One")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:39 compels us to consider the profound implications of our response to Jesus. While specifically addressing Israel's future, the underlying principle applies universally: true blessedness comes from acknowledging Jesus as Lord and welcoming Him into our lives. This verse instills a deep sense of hope in the certainty of Christ's return, reminding us that the present age is temporary and that a glorious future awaits those who are ready to welcome Him. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly saying "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" with our lives, our words, and our worship? Do we live in eager anticipation of His coming, or are we complacent? This passage calls for spiritual vigilance and a readiness to embrace Jesus fully, both now and in the future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of Christ's return, as implied in this verse, impact my daily living and priorities?**
* **In what ways might I, like the religious leaders of Jesus' day, be unknowingly rejecting or failing to fully acknowledge Christ in my life?**
* **What does it mean for me personally to "say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean Jesus will only return when all Jewish people convert to Christianity?**

Answer: Matthew 23:39 indicates that Jesus' visible return to the earth is conditioned upon a future national acknowledgment and welcome from the Jewish people, using the acclamation from [Psalm 118:26](/psalm/118-26 "Psalm 118:26 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"). While it doesn't specify that *every single* Jewish person must convert, it strongly implies a widespread, national turning to Christ. This aligns with other New Testament prophecies, such as [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening and Future Salvation"), which speaks of "all Israel" being saved after the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in." This suggests a future spiritual awakening and repentance among the Jewish people that will precede or coincide with Christ's second advent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:39 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the promise of Jesus' glorious Second Coming. While the immediate context speaks to Israel's future recognition, the deeper theological truth is that the One who was rejected by His own people at His first advent will return in power and glory, and "every eye will see him" ([Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Every Eye Will See Him")). The "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" will not merely be a Jewish acclamation, but a universal declaration, as "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). This verse, therefore, points beyond a specific national event to the cosmic triumph of Christ, when He will fully establish His kingdom, and all creation will acknowledge Him as the sovereign Lord, the one truly "coming in the name of the Lord" with all authority and power ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His return will bring about the full realization of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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

Psalms 118:26

Blessed [be] he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Luke 17:22

And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see [it].

John 8:21

¶ Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come.

Hosea 3:4

For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and [without] teraphim:

John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw [it], and was glad.