John 2:20
Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾠκοδομήθη
in building
G3618
ᾠκοδομήθη
in building
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
9 of 19
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
17 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Historical Context
Herod began temple reconstruction in 20-19 BC. The 'forty-six years' dates this conversation to approximately 27-28 AD. The temple was not finally completed until 63 AD, just seven years before Rome destroyed it. The Jews' investment in the physical building blinded them to the true Temple among them.
Questions for Reflection
- How does literalism sometimes blind us to spiritual realities?
- What 'temples' do we invest in that might distract from Christ Himself?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Jews misunderstand, thinking Jesus speaks of Herod's temple: 'Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?' Their literalism blinds them to spiritual meaning. The temple construction, begun under Herod the Great around 20 BC, was ongoing. The Jews' incredulity is understandable but reveals spiritual dullness—they cannot conceive of anything beyond the physical.