Matthew Chapter 26 · Verse 61
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.
Original Language Analysis
Οὗτος
This
G3778
Οὗτος
This
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἔφη
fellow said
G5346
ἔφη
fellow said
Strong's:
G5346
Word #:
3 of 15
to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say
καταλῦσαι
to destroy
G2647
καταλῦσαι
to destroy
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
5 of 15
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
9 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
in
G1223
διὰ
in
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἡμερῶν
days
G2250
ἡμερῶν
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
13 of 15
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
Cross References
Matthew 27:40And 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.Isaiah 53:3He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Isaiah 49:7Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.Mark 15:29And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
Historical Context
Jesus's temple-saying (John 2:19) occurred at Passover early in His ministry (AD 27-28), three years before this trial. The witnesses dredged up old words, distorting them for accusation. The temple (ναός, naos, sanctuary proper) was Herod's magnificent structure, recently expanded—boasting ability to destroy and rebuild it in three days sounded megalomaniacal. Jews told Jesus rebuilding took 46 years (John 2:20). In AD 70, Rome literally destroyed the temple. Jesus prophesied its destruction (24:2); ironically, they accused Him of threatening what God would accomplish.
Questions for Reflection
- How are Jesus's words still distorted today through selective quotation divorced from context?
- When have you misused Scripture by twisting its meaning to support predetermined conclusions rather than submitting to its actual message?
Analysis & Commentary
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days (εἶπαν, Οὗτος ἔφη, Δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι αὐτόν)—The contemptuous οὗτος ('this fellow, this one') shows disrespect. They quoted Jesus's words (John 2:19) but distorted them: Jesus said, 'Destroy this temple' (imperative, challenging them); they claim He said, 'I am able to destroy' (δύναμαι, expressing ability/threat). Jesus spoke of His body's resurrection (John 2:21); they implied He threatened literal temple destruction. Truth twisted into lie through selective editing and interpretive distortion.
The charge was serious—threatening the temple meant opposing Israel's worship center, Judaism's heart. Stephen later faced similar charges (Acts 6:13-14). The 'three days' detail came from Jesus's words but divorced from resurrection context became mere boast. This demonstrates how Scripture can be weaponized through misinterpretation—Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus (4:6), misapplying it. Context matters; interpretation requires honesty. These witnesses used Jesus's own words against Him—the supreme irony since His words are life (John 6:63, 68).