Matthew 27:40
And 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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγοντες
saying
G3004
λέγοντες
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καταλύων
Thou that destroyest
G2647
καταλύων
Thou that destroyest
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
4 of 22
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 #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
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 #:
10 of 22
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
οἰκοδομῶν
buildest
G3618
οἰκοδομῶν
buildest
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
11 of 22
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
σῶσον
save
G4982
σῶσον
save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
12 of 22
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 22
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
18 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
20 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Matthew 26:61And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.Matthew 4:6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.Matthew 4:3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.Revelation 11:10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
Historical Context
The temple saying was central to accusations at Jesus's trial (Matthew 26:61). That this mockery appears at the cross shows how thoroughly his words had been distorted and weaponized against him throughout his trial and execution.
Questions for Reflection
- Why was staying on the cross a greater proof of Jesus's divinity than coming down would have been?
- How does this temptation parallel Satan's wilderness temptations—demanding Jesus prove his identity through self-preservation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself—they twist Jesus's words about raising the temple of his body (John 2:19-21). If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross—echoing Satan's temptation: If thou be the Son of God (Matthew 4:3, 6). Both tempt Jesus to prove deity through self-preservation.
The ultimate irony: Jesus COULD save himself but then could not save us. He saved others; himself he cannot save (v. 42) is theologically precise—substitutionary atonement requires the Substitute to die. Coming down would abort redemption. Staying on the cross proves both deity and love.