John 2:19

ESV Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

NIV Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days."

NASB Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'

CSB Jesus answered, "Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days."

NLT All right,' Jesus replied. 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'

KJV Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

NKJV Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

What does John 2:19 mean?

John uses the term "the Jews" to refer to the scribes and other religious leaders. Since Jesus had just disrupted their business and caused a scene (John 2:14–16), they were right to question Him. In doing so, they challenged Him (John 2:18) to perform a miracle. This was the traditional sign of a true prophet; it would have demonstrated that Jesus' words were from God. This is precisely why John refers to Jesus' miracles as "signs:" they were meant to prove Christ's divinity. And yet, Jesus will later point out that no evidence is ever enough for the hardened skeptic (John 5:39–40; Luke 16:31).

Rather than responding with magic and fireworks, Jesus makes a claim which almost nobody understands at first. The temple in Jerusalem had taken nearly fifty years to build. It was the most important place in Jewish society. Work on this version of the temple had continued nearly constantly since around 20 BC. So, when Jesus claimed that He could rebuild a destroyed temple in only three days, they assumed He was crazy. However, Jesus' reference was to His future death and resurrection (Matthew 27:63; Mark 14:58). After He is crucified, that connection will be clear to the disciples.

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Context Summary
John 2:13–23 describes Jesus driving corrupt businessmen from the temple. His wrath is not because of selling sacrifices, itself, but rather the greedy focus on money with no regard to serving God. Jesus is never depicted as out of control, but His anger is clear. It's likely that this is an early temple cleansing, and the other gospels record a second, separate incident. Jesus' right to act this way is challenged by the authorities. In typical Hebrew style, they demand a miraculous sign. Jesus instead predicts His own death and resurrection. This passage contrasts with the quiet, joyous miracle at the wedding.

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Chapter Summary
Jesus attends a wedding where He performs His first miracle: turning water into wine. This symbolizes a transformation of human rituals into divine sacrifice. Few people are even aware that a miracle has occurred. Jesus then drives crooked businessmen out of the temple, scolding them for turning a sacred area into a crass marketplace.

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What is the Gospel?

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