Matthew 27:40

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

And {G2532} saying {G3004}, Thou that destroyest {G2647} the temple {G3485}, and {G2532} buildest {G3618} it in {G1722} three {G5140} days {G2250}, save {G4982} thyself {G4572}. If {G1487} thou be {G1488} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, come down {G2597} from {G575} the cross {G4716}.

and saying, "So you can destroy the Temple, can you, and rebuild it in three days? Save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the stake!"

and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!”

and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross.

Matthew 27:40 KJV captures a moment of intense mockery directed at Jesus during his crucifixion, highlighting the profound misunderstanding of his identity and mission by those around him.

Context

This verse describes the taunts of those passing by as Jesus hung on the cross, immediately following his placement between two criminals. The accusation, "Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days," refers to a statement Jesus made earlier in his ministry. This prophecy, recorded in John 2:19, was about his own body and subsequent resurrection, but it was maliciously twisted and used as a false charge against him during his trial (Matthew 26:61). The challenge to "save thyself" and "come down from the cross" underscores the crowd's demand for a worldly display of power, rather than understanding the divine purpose of his suffering.

Key Themes

  • Profound Misunderstanding and Mockery: The words of the passersby reveal their utter failure to grasp who Jesus truly was and why he was suffering. They interpreted his agony as weakness or a sign of divine abandonment, rather than the ultimate act of redemptive love.
  • The Spiritual "Temple" Prophecy: The reference to destroying and rebuilding the temple is central. While the accusers thought Jesus spoke of the physical temple in Jerusalem, he was prophetically referring to his own body, which would be "destroyed" through death and "built" again through his resurrection on the third day. This is a profound foreshadowing of the resurrection of Christ.
  • The Challenge to Jesus' Sonship: The taunt "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" directly challenges Jesus' divine identity and authority. This title had been affirmed by God the Father at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:17) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5). Ironically, it was Jesus' steadfast refusal to save himself that validated his true divine nature and commitment to God's plan for salvation.
  • Salvation Through Sacrifice: The mockers demanded that Jesus save himself, but his entire purpose was to save others. His willingness to endure the cross, rather than use his power to escape it, was the very act that enabled him to save all who believe.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "destroyest" is katalyo (καταλύω), which means "to loosen down, demolish, or dissolve." For "buildest," the word is oikodomeo (οἰκοδομέω), meaning "to build a house or construct." The contrast highlights the perceived destructive nature of Jesus' claim versus the creative power he would ultimately display through resurrection. The title "Son of God" (huios tou theou, υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ) emphasizes Jesus' unique divine relationship and nature, which was the core of the challenge posed by the mockers.

Practical Application

Matthew 27:40 powerfully illustrates that God's strength and wisdom are often revealed in ways contrary to human expectations. Jesus' choice to suffer and die, rather than to descend from the cross in a display of raw power, was the ultimate act of sacrificial love. This challenges believers to recognize that God's methods may not align with worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). It also reminds us that misunderstanding, false accusations, and mockery are often part of the path of faith, just as they were for Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • Matthew 26:61

    And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
  • John 2:19

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
  • John 2:22

    When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
  • Matthew 4:6

    And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Matthew 4:3

    And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
  • Revelation 11:10

    And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
  • Matthew 26:63

    But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

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