John 2:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

NIV: But the temple he had spoken of was his body.

NASB: But He was speaking about the temple of His body.

CSB: But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

NLT: But when Jesus said 'this temple,' he meant his own body.

KJV: But he spake of the temple of his body.

NKJV: But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Jesus often makes comments about spiritual issues which are misinterpreted in physical ways. Earlier, Jesus was challenged to produce a miracle (John 2:18–19). He had disrupted businesses which overtook the temple grounds (John 2:14–16). Local religious leaders demanded miraculous proof that Christ had the right to do this. Jesus responded by saying that He could rebuild "this temple" in only three days.

Solomon had spent years building the first temple. Nehemiah devoted years to rebuilding it. Herod spent decades remodeling the current temple. So, claiming that one could rebuild "this temple" in just days sounded absurd. The people thought Jesus meant the brick-and-mortar sanctuary. Instead, Jesus was predicting His upcoming death and resurrection. When Jesus is arrested, this statement will be part of the evidence against Him (Matthew 26:61). And, when He is crucified, it will be used to taunt Him (Matthew 27:40). After He is raised, it will be seen as yet another fulfilled prophecy (Mark 10:34; 16:1–6).

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.

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.

Chapter 2 begins to show Jesus' "signs," or miracles, which will prove that He is the Savior. The miracles will become more spectacular over time, but they start quietly. Contrast is an important part of the gospel of John. The quiet, joyful miracle at the wedding is starkly different from the loud public spectacle of clearing the temple. Jesus' first miracle symbolizes His mission. During the temple clearing, He also predicts His death and resurrection. This sets the stage for Jesus' private discussion with Nicodemus, a respected and influential man.

The disciple John wrote the gospel of John decades after the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were written. The author assumes that a reader is already familiar with the content of these other works. So, John presents a different perspective, with a greater emphasis on meaning. John uses seven miracles—which he calls "signs"— to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God incarnate. Some of the most well-known verses in the Bible are found here. None is more famous than the one-sentence summary of the gospel found in John 3:16.

Accessed 11/23/2024 6:00:05 AM