Matthew 16:21
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Original Language Analysis
ἀπὸ
From
G575
ἀπὸ
From
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 32
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τότε
that time forth
G5119
τότε
that time forth
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
2 of 32
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 32
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 32
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
how that
G3754
ὅτι
how that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 32
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
11 of 32
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 32
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
ἀπελθεῖν
go
G565
ἀπελθεῖν
go
Strong's:
G565
Word #:
13 of 32
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 32
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
15 of 32
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πολλὰ
many things
G4183
πολλὰ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
17 of 32
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παθεῖν
suffer
G3958
παθεῖν
suffer
Strong's:
G3958
Word #:
18 of 32
to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)
ἀπὸ
From
G575
ἀπὸ
From
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
19 of 32
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρεσβυτέρων
the elders
G4245
πρεσβυτέρων
the elders
Strong's:
G4245
Word #:
21 of 32
older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀρχιερέων
chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερέων
chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
23 of 32
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
28 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτῃ
the third
G5154
τρίτῃ
the third
Strong's:
G5154
Word #:
30 of 32
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
Cross References
Matthew 17:12But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Matthew 27:63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Luke 17:25But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.Matthew 26:47And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.Matthew 26:2Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.Luke 9:31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.Luke 24:46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
Historical Context
This teaching shocked disciples expecting a conquering Messiah, not a suffering servant. Jesus mentions Jerusalem (where prophets died), elders/chief priests/scribes (Sanhedrin leadership), and being killed—details fulfilled in the Passion narrative. The third-day resurrection reference points to Hosea 6:2 and establishes the timeline. This is Jesus' first Passion prediction in Matthew.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's necessary suffering demonstrate God's justice and mercy?
- What wrong expectations about Jesus do you need to release?
- How does the resurrection transform the meaning of Christ's suffering?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus begins revealing His approaching suffering, death, and resurrection—core gospel events. The phrase 'began to shew' indicates this teaching continues through the Gospels. Reformed soteriology emphasizes the necessity of Christ's suffering: God's justice required payment for sin, accomplished through the cross. Jesus 'must' (Greek 'dei'—divine necessity) suffer because God's redemptive plan demanded it. The mention of resurrection shows death isn't defeat but the path to victory over sin and death.