John 2:17
And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Original Language Analysis
Ἐμνήσθησαν
remembered
G3415
Ἐμνήσθησαν
remembered
Strong's:
G3415
Word #:
1 of 15
to bear in mind, i.e., recollect; by implication, to reward or punish
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
γεγραμμένον
written
G1125
γεγραμμένον
written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
7 of 15
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ζῆλος
The zeal
G2205
ζῆλος
The zeal
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἴκου
house
G3624
οἴκου
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
12 of 15
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Psalm 69 is frequently quoted as messianic in the New Testament (verses 4, 9, 21, 22, 25). The disciples' recognition of Jesus' actions as fulfillment shows early christological interpretation of Scripture. This connection was likely made after the resurrection (John 2:22) when they understood more fully.
Questions for Reflection
- How does godly zeal differ from destructive anger or self-righteous judgment?
- What does the Psalm 69 connection teach about Jesus' identity and mission?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples remember Psalm 69:9: 'The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.' This messianic psalm describes the Righteous Sufferer's experience. Jesus' consuming passion for the temple's purity reflects divine zeal. The verb 'eaten up' (katephagen) suggests consuming fire—jealous love that cannot tolerate corruption of what is sacred. This zeal will ultimately contribute to His death as religious leaders plot against Him.