23:38 23:38

Matthew 23:39

24:1 24:1

Bible Versions

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.
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}.
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.'"
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.’”
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.

Matthew 23:39 concludes Jesus' poignant lament over Jerusalem and His severe pronouncements against the religious leaders of His day. It is a powerful prophetic statement, looking beyond their immediate rejection to a future day of recognition.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' heartbroken cry, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" (Matthew 23:37). His declaration in verse 39 serves as a final, somber word to the city and its leaders, indicating that their rejection of Him will lead to a period of spiritual blindness and separation until a future spiritual awakening.

Key Themes

  • Prophecy of Christ's Return: Jesus clearly states that He will not be seen by them again until a specific condition is met. This points directly to His second coming, which will be visible and unmistakable.
  • Israel's Future Recognition: The phrase "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a direct quotation from Psalm 118:26. This was the very acclamation shouted by the crowds during Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Jesus implies that the nation, which once praised Him but later rejected Him, will one day again acknowledge Him as their Messiah. This aligns with prophecies concerning Israel's ultimate spiritual restoration (Romans 11:26).
  • Divine Suspension and Future Hope: Jesus' departure ("Ye shall not see me henceforth") signifies a temporary cessation of His direct, physical presence and a period of judgment for their rejection. However, it is not a permanent abandonment but a suspension until their future repentance and welcoming of Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" is a direct quote from the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament translation of the Hebrew) of Psalm 118:26. In Greek, it is Eulogēmenos ho erchomenos en onomati Kyriou (εὐλογημένος ὁ ἐρχόμενος ἐν ὀνόματι Κυρίου). This was a traditional greeting for pilgrims entering Jerusalem and, more significantly, a Messianic acclamation. Jesus' use of it here underscores His identity as the long-awaited Messiah, whose return will be met with the recognition He deserved but did not receive from the nation at His first advent.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 23:39 offers profound lessons:

  • Hope in Christ's Return: It reinforces the certainty of Jesus' second coming, a cornerstone of Christian hope. Just as He promised His disciples He would return, this verse reminds us that He will indeed come again to establish His kingdom fully.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's rejection, God's plan for them and for all humanity remains steadfast. This verse speaks to God's enduring faithfulness to His covenants and promises.
  • Readiness and Vigilance: While specific to Israel's future, the broader principle encourages all believers to live in anticipation of Christ's return, ensuring they are ready to welcome Him as Lord (Matthew 24:44).
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.

  • 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.
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