John 2:21
But he spake of the temple of his body.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκεῖνος
he
G1565
ἐκεῖνος
he
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
1 of 9
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἔλεγεν
spake
G3004
ἔλεγεν
spake
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 6:19What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?1 Corinthians 3:16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?Hebrews 8:2A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.Colossians 1:19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.2 Corinthians 6:16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Historical Context
The tabernacle and temple were God's dwelling places in Israel. Jesus claimed to supersede these—He is the reality the building symbolized. After resurrection, believers become temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). The physical temple's destruction in 70 AD confirmed that God's presence had moved to His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus being the true temple change our understanding of worship and God's presence?
- What implications does this have for sacred buildings in Christian worship?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
John clarifies: 'But he spake of the temple of his body.' Jesus' body is the true temple—the meeting place of God and humanity. His resurrection after three days would vindicate His authority and fulfill this sign. The incarnation means God dwells not in buildings but in Christ Himself, and through Him, in believers. This redefines sacred space entirely.