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.
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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.
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
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.