Matthew 17:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 17:23
23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
Chapter Context
Matthew 17 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of creation, redemption, love. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 17:23
23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
Analysis
And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again (καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐγερθήσεται)—The future ἀποκτενοῦσιν ('they will kill') specifies death by human agency, yet the passive ἐγερθήσεται ('He will be raised') indicates divine agency—the Father will raise the Son (Acts 2:24, 32; Romans 8:11). The phrase τῇ τρίτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ('on the third day') fulfills Hosea 6:2 and Jonah's three-day sign (Matthew 12:40). This specific timeframe proves Jesus's prophetic authority—He predicted not only His death but the exact timing of His resurrection.
And they were exceeding sorry (καὶ ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα)—The verb λυπέω (lypeō, 'to grieve, to be sorrowful') intensified by σφόδρα ('exceedingly, greatly') shows their emotional devastation. Yet their sorrow focused on the death, not the resurrection. They heard 'killed' but didn't process 'raised'—selective hearing based on preconceptions. They expected a conquering Messiah, not a suffering servant. Their grief reveals they didn't yet understand that Christ's death was necessary for redemption, not defeat of God's purposes.
Historical Context
Jewish messianic expectations focused on a conquering Davidic king who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel's kingdom (Acts 1:6). The concept of a suffering, dying Messiah contradicted these hopes, despite clear Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22). Only after the resurrection did disciples grasp how Scripture predicted Messiah's suffering and glory (Luke 24:25-27, 44-46). Their 'exceeding sorrow' shows how deeply entrenched wrong theology prevented receiving truth.
Reflection
- What theological preconceptions prevent you from hearing and accepting biblical truth that contradicts your expectations?
- Why do we often focus on difficulties ('they will kill Him') while ignoring promises ('He will be raised')?
Cross-References
- Resurrection: Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 13:7