John 2:20

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John 2:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?”

King James Version KJV

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

American Standard Version ASV

The Jews therefore said, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days?

Bible in Basic English BBE

The Jews said, The building of this Temple took forty-six years; and you will put it up in three days!

Free Bible Version FBV

“It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and you're going to raise it up in three days?” the Jewish leaders replied.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then said the Iewes, Fourtie and sixe yeeres was this Temple a building, and wilt thou reare it vp in three daies?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

The Jews, therefore, said, 'Forty and six years was this sanctuary building, and wilt thou in three days raise it up?'

World English Bible WEB

The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

The Jews then said: Six and forty years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?

Translation for Translators T4T

So the Jewish leaders [SYN] said, “We have been building this Temple for 46 years and it is not finished yet! So ◄there is no way you will build it within three days!/how will you build it within three days?► [RHQ]”

Plain English Version PEV

The Jewish leaders said, “What? It took a lot of people 46 years to build this ceremony house. Do you think you can build it again in 3 days?”

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 2:20

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

John 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ειπον ουν οι ιουδαιοι τεσσαρακοντα και εξ ετεσιν ωκοδομηθη ο ναος ουτος και συ εν τρισιν ημεραις εγερεις αυτον

ειπον legō G3004 to say Verb-2AAI-3P

ουν oun G3767 therefore/then Conj

οι ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NPM

ιουδαιοι Ioudaios G2453 Jew Adj-NPM

τεσσαρακοντα tessarakonta G5062 forty Adj-NUI

και kai G2532 and Conj

εξ hex G1803 six Adj-NUI

ετεσιν etos G2094 year Noun-DPN

ωκοδομηθη oikodomeō G3618 to build Verb-API-3S

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

ναος naos G3485 temple Noun-NSM

ουτος ohutos G3778 this/he/she/it Dem-NSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

συ su G4771 you Pron-2NS

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τρισιν treis G5140 Three Adj-DPF

ημεραις hēmera G2250 day Noun-DPF

εγερεις egeirō G1453 to arise Verb-FAI-2S

αυτον autos G846 it/s/he Pron-ASM

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — John 2:20

ειπον legō G3004 "to say" Verb-2AAI-3P

This word means to say or speak, and it is used by Jesus and others in the New Testament to share teachings and tell stories. It appears in Matthew 9:34 and John 1:29.

Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1988 NT verses. KJV: ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Acts 6:2; Acts 19:3.

ουν oun G3767 "therefore/then" Conj

This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.

Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.

οι ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιουδαιοι Ioudaios G2453 "Jew" Adj-NPM

This word means a person from Judah or a Jew, used in Acts 10:28 and John 4:9 to describe people of Jewish descent. It is also used to describe the land of Judah, as in Matthew 2:6.

Definition: Ἰουδαῖος, -αία, -αῖον (Ἰούδας), Jewish: ἀνήρ, Act.10:28 22:3; ἄνθρωπος, Act.21:39; ψευδοπροφήτης, 13:6; ἀσχιερεύς, 19:14; γυνή, 16:1 24:24; γῆ, Jhn.3:22; χώρα, Mrk.1:5. Substantively, __(a) Ἰουδαῖος, ὁ, a Jew: Jhn.4:9, Act.18:24, Rom.2:28; pl., Rev.2:9 3:9; οἱ Ἰ., Mat.2:2, Mrk.7:3, Jhn.2:6, al.; Ἰ. τε καὶ Ἕλληνες, Act.14:1, al.; κ. προσήλυτοι, Act.2:10; ἔθνη τε κ. Ἰ., Act.14:5; οἱ κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη, Act.21:21; of Jewish Christians, Gal.2:13; of the ruling class who opposed Jesus, Jhn.1:19 2:18 5:10 11:8 13:33, al.; __(b) Ἰουδαία, -ας, ἡ (sc. γῆ, χώρα, cf. Jhn.3:22, Mrk.1:5), (Heb. יְהוּדָה), Judæa: Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Jhn.4:3, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: Jew(-ess), of Judæa See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 2:13; Revelation 2:9.

τεσσαρακοντα tessarakonta G5062 "forty" Adj-NUI

This word means the number forty, often symbolizing a period of testing or trial. It appears in Matthew 4:2, Mark 1:13, and other passages, describing Jesus' time in the wilderness or other events lasting forty days.

Definition: τεσσεράκοντα (Rec. τεσσαρ-, v, WH, App., 150; M, Pr., 45 f.; Thackeray, Gr., 62 f., 73 f.), οἱ, αἱ, τά, indecl., forty: Mat.4:2, Mrk.1:13, Luk.4:2, Jhn.2:20, Act.1:3, al (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: forty See also: 2 Corinthians 11:24; Hebrews 3:17; Hebrews 3:9.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εξ hex G1803 "six" Adj-NUI

This Greek word simply means the number six, used in various passages like Matthew 17:1 and Luke 13:14 to describe quantities or counts.

Definition: ἕξ, οἱ, αἱ, τά indecl., six: Mat.17:1, Luk.13:14, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: six See also: Acts 11:12; John 12:1; James 5:17.

ετεσιν etos G2094 "year" Noun-DPN

This word refers to a year, like in Luke 3:1 where it says Jesus was baptized in the 15th year of Tiberius' rule. It is also used in Revelation 20:3 to describe a period of time.

Definition: ἔτος, -ους, τό [in LXX for שָׁנֶה ;] a year: Luk.3:1, Heb.1:12, Rev.20:3, al.; ἔτη ἔχειν, Jhn.5:5 8:57; εἶναι, γίνεσθαι, ἐτῶν, Mrk.5:42, Luk.2:42, Act.4:22, 1Ti.5:9; dative pl. of space of time, Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; accusative, in ans. to how long? Mat.9:20, Mrk.5:25, Luk.2:36, Act.7:6, Heb.3:9, al.; preceded by a prep.: dim, Luk.8:43, Rom.15:23; διά, with genitive (see: διά), Act.24:17, Gal.2:1; ἐκ, Act.24:10; εἰς, Luk.12:19; ἐπί, with accusative, Act.19:10; μετά, with accusative, Gal.1:18 3:17; πρό, with genitive, 2Co.12:2; κατ᾽ ἔτος, yearly, Luk.2:41 SYN.: ἐνιαυτός, which see; cf. LS, see word ἐνιαυτός (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 48 NT verses. KJV: year See also: 1 Timothy 5:9; Luke 2:37; Hebrews 1:12.

ωκοδομηθη oikodomeō G3618 "to build" Verb-API-3S

To build or construct something, like a house, is the meaning of this word. In Luke 11:48 and 1 Peter 2:7, it refers to building or confirming something, whether physical or spiritual.

Definition: οἰκοδομέω, -ῶ (οἰκοδόμος), [in LXX chiefly for בָּנָה ;] to build a house, to build: absol., Luk.11:48 14:30 17:28; οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες, the builders (as Psa.118:22, בָּנָה), Mat.21:42, Mrk.12:10, Luk.20:17, 1Pe.2:7" (LXX) ; ἐ π ̓ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰ., proverb., Rom.15:20; with accusative of thing(s), Gal.2:18; πύργον), Mat.21:33, Mrk.12:1, Luk.14:28; ἀποθήκας, Luk.12:18; ναόν, Mrk.14:58; pass., Jhn.2:20; οἰκία, Luk.6:48; with accusative of thing(s) before dative of person(s) (cf. Gen.8:20, Eze.16:24), Luk.7:5, Act.7:47, 49; accusative before ἐπί, Mat.7:24, 26 Luk.6:49; πόλιν ἐπ ̓ ὄρους, Luk.4:29; of rebuilding, or restoring, Mat.23:29 26:61 27:40, Mrk.15:29, Luk.11:47, Metaphorical, τ. ἐκκλησίαν, Mat.16:18; of the growth of Christian character (cf. בָּנָה, in Psa.28:5, Jer.24:6, al.), to build up (AV, edify): absol., Act.20:32, 1Co.8:1 10:23; with accusative of person(s), 1Co.14:4, 1Th.5:11; pass., Act.9:31, 1Co.14:17, 1Pe.2:5; of blameworthy action (AV, embolden), 1Co.8:10 (cf. ἀν-, ἐπ-, συν-οικοδομέω).† οἰκο-δόμος, -ου, ὁ (οἶκος + δέμω, to build), [in LXX for בָּנָה, etc. ;] a builder: Act.4:11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (be in) build(-er, -ing, up), edify, embolden See also: 1 Corinthians 8:1; Luke 11:48; 1 Peter 2:5.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ναος naos G3485 "temple" Noun-NSM

A temple refers to a sacred place of worship, like the one in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it can also mean the innermost part of the temple. The term is used in Acts 17:24 and Acts 19:24.

Definition: ναός, -οῦ, ὁ (Att.. νεώς; ναίω, to inhabit), [in LXX (νεώς, 2Ma.6:2, al.) chiefly for הֵיכָל ;] __1. a temple (Hom., Find., al.). __2. The inmost part of a temple, the shrine (Hat., Xen., al.); in NT, __(a) generally: pl., Act.17:24; of silver models of a heathen shrine, Act.19:24; __(b) of the temple building proper, or sanctuary, at Jerusalem, as distinct from τ. ἱερόν (which see), the whole temple enclosure: Mat.23:16-17, 35 27:5, 40, Mrk.14:58 15:29 Jhn.2:19-20, Rev.11:2; (τοῦ) θεοῦ, Mat.26:61 27:51, Mrk.15:38, Luk.1:9, 21-22 23:45, 1Co.3:17, 2Co.6:16, 2Th.2:4, Rev.11:1; of the temple in the Apocal. visions, Rev.3:12 7:15 11:19 14:15, 17 15:5-6, 8 16:1, 17 21:22 a. Metaphorical, of Christians, 1Co.3:16 6:19, 2Co.6:16, Eph.2:21; of Christ's body, Jhn.2:21 (cf. Jhn.2:19); ὁ θεὸς ν. αὐτῆς ἐστιν, Rev.21:22 b.† SYN.: ἱερόν (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: shrine, temple See also: 1 Corinthians 3:16; Matthew 23:17; Revelation 3:12.

ουτος ohutos G3778 "this/he/she/it" Dem-NSM

This refers to a specific person or thing, like when Jesus says 'this is my body' in Matthew 26:26 and Mark 14:22.

Definition: οὗτος, αὕτη, τοῦτο, genitive, τούτου, ταύτης, τούτου, [in LXX chiefly for זֹאת ,זֶה ;] demonstr. pron. (related to ἐκεῖνος as hic to ille), this; __1. as subst., this one, he; __(a) absol.: Mat.3:17, Mrk.9:7, Luk.7:44, 45, Jhn.1:15, Act.2:15, al.; expressing contempt (cl.), Mat.13:55, 56, Mrk.6:2, 3, Jhn.6:42, al.; εἰς τοῦτο, Mrk.1:38, Rom.14:9; μετὰ τοῦτο (ταῦτα; V. Westc. on Jhn.5:1), Jhn.2:12 11:7, al.; __(b) epanaleptic (referring to what precedes): Mat.5:19, Mrk.3:35, Luk.9:48, Jhn.6:46, Rom.7:10, al.; __(with) proleptic (referring to what follows): before ἵνα (Bl., §69, 6), Luk.1:43, Jhn.3:19 (and freq.) 15:8, Rom.14:9, al.; before ὅτι, Luk.10:11, Jhn.9:3o, Act.24:14, Rom.2:3, al.; ὅπως, Rom.9:17; ἐάν, Jhn.13:35; __(d) special idioms: τοῦτο μὲν . . . τ. δέ (cl), partly . . . partly. Heb.10:33; καὶ τοῦτο (τοῦτον, ταῦτα), and that (him) too, Rom.13:11, 1Co.2:2, Heb.11:12; τοῦτ᾽ ἐστιν, Mat.27:46. __2. As adj., with subst.; __(a) with art. __(α) before the art.: Mat.12:32, Mrk.9:29, Luk.7:44, Jhn.4:15, Rom.11:24, Rev.19:9, al.; __(β) after the noun: Mat.3:9, Mrk.12:16, Luk.11:31, Jhn.4:13, Act.6:13, Rom.15:28, 1Co.1:20, Rev.2:24, al.; __(b) with subst. anarth. (with predicative force; Bl., §49, 4): Luk.1:36 2:2 24:21, Jhn.2:11 4:54 21:14, 2Co.13:1. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1281 NT verses. KJV: he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who See also: 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Peter 2:20; 1 Peter 1:11.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

συ su G4771 "you" Pron-2NS

This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.

Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τρισιν treis G5140 "Three" Adj-DPF

The Greek word for three, used in passages like Matthew 12:40 and Mark 10:34 to describe a specific number of days or items. It is also used in the name of a place called Three Taverns in Acts 28:15.

Definition: τρεῖς, οἱ, αἱ, τρία, τά three: Mat.12:40, al.; μετὰ τ. ἡμέρας = τῇ τρίτῃ ἡ., Mrk.10:34, al. (cf. Field, Notes, 11 ff.) Τρεῖς Ταβέρναι (see: ταβέρνη), Three Taverns (Lit. Tres Tabernae) a halting place on the Appian Way: Act.28:15 (see DB, iv, 690).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: three See also: 1 Corinthians 10:8; Luke 2:46; Hebrews 10:28.

ημεραις hēmera G2250 "day" Noun-DPF

The Greek word for day refers to a 24-hour period, used in Revelation 21:25 and Acts 9:24. It can also mean a period of time, like in Luke 21:37.

Definition: ἡμέρα, -ας, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for יוֹם ;] day; __1. as distinct from night: genitive ἡμέρας, by day (WM, §30, 11), Rev.21:25; ἡ. κ. νυκτός (ν. κ. ̔ἡ.), Act.9:24, 1Th.2:9, 2Th.3:8, Rev.4:8 (BL, §36, 13); ἡμέρας μέσης, at mid-day, Act.26:13; accusative durat., τ. ἡμέρας, Luk.21:37; ὅλην τὴν ἡ., Rom.8:36; ἐν ἡμέρα, Jhn.11:9, Rom.13:13; ἡμέρας ὁδός, a day's journey, Luk.2:44; ἡ. γίνεται, Lk 4:42 22:66; κλίνει, Luk.9:12, al.; metaphorically, Jhn.9:4, Rom.13:12, 1Th.5:4, 5 8, 2Pe.1:19. __2. Of a civil day of 24 hours, incl. night: Mat.6:34, Mrk.6:21, Luk.13:14, al.; τρίτῃ ἡ., Mat.16:21; ἡμέρᾳ κ. ἡ. (cf. יוֹם בְּיוֹם, Est.3:4), 2Co.4:16; ὅλην τ. ἡ., Rom.8:36 10:21; pl., Jhn.2:12, Act.9:19, al.; ἡ. τῶν ἀζύμων, Act.12:3; τ. σαββάτου, Luk.13:14, 16; ἡ κυριάκη ἡ., Rev.1:10. __3. In Messianic sense, of the last day: ἡ ἡ. (ἐκείνη, τ. κυρίου, etc.), Mat.7:22, Luk.6:23, Rom.13:12, 1Co.1:8, 1Th.5:2, 2Th.2:2, 2Pe.3:10, al; by meton., as compared with the divine judgment on that day, ἡ. ἀνθρωπίνη, of a human tribunal, 1Co.4:3 (EV, man's judgment). __4. As in Heb. (also in Gk. writers; Bl, §46, 9; M, Pr., 81), of time in general: Jhn.8:56 14:20, 2Co.6:2, Eph.6:13, 2Pe.3:18; pl. Act.15:7, Eph.5:16, Heb.10:32; πᾶσας τὰς ἡ. (cf. כָּל הַיָּמִים, Deu.4:40, al.; MM, Exp., xv), Mat.28:20; ἐλεύσονται ἡ. ὅταν (ὅτε), Mat.9:15, Mrk.2:20, Luk.5:35 17:22; αἱ ἡ., with genitive of person(s) (Gen.26:1, al.), Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Act.7:45, 1Pe.3:20; ἀρχ̀ ἡμερῶν, Heb.7:3. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 366 NT verses. KJV: age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years See also: 1 Corinthians 1:8; Acts 21:5; 1 Peter 2:12.

εγερεις egeirō G1453 "to arise" Verb-FAI-2S

To arise means to wake up or stand up, and it can also mean to raise someone from the dead, like Jesus did with Lazarus in John 12. It's about moving from a state of rest or death to being active and alive. This concept is seen in Matthew 25:7 and Mark 4:27.

Definition: ἐγείρω, [in LXX for קוּם, etc. ;] trans. (imperat. ἔγειρε used intransitively, Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:11, al.); __1. to awaken, arouse from sleep: Mrk.4:38, Act.12:7; metaphorically, of spiritual awakening, Rom.13:11 (pass.), Eph.5:14; pass., to be aroused, wake up: Mat.25:7, Mrk.4:27; ἀπὸ τ. ὕπνου, Mat.1:24. __2. Freq. in NT, to raise from the dead: νεκρούς, Jhn.5:21, Act.26:8, 2Co.1:9; ἐκ νεκρῶν, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, Rom.8:11, al.; pass., rise from death: Mat.11:5, Luk.7:22, Jhn.2:22, Rom.6:9, al.; ἀπὸ τ. νεκρῶν, Mat.14:2, al. __3. In late Gk., __(a) to raise, from sitting, lying, sickness; mid. and pass., to rise: Mat.9:5, 7 Mrk.1:31 9:27 10:49, al.; redundant, like Heb. קוּם, Mat.2:15 9:19, Rev.11:1 (see Dalman, 23f.); __(b) to raise up, cause to appear: Act.13:22 (cf. Jdg.2:18); τέκνα, Mat.3:9; pass., to appear: Mat.11:11, Mrk.13:22, al. __4. to rouse, stir up; pass., to rise against: Mat.24:7, Mrk.13:8. __5. Of buildings, to raise: τ. ναόν, Jhn.2:19, 20 (cf . Deu.16:22, Sir.49:13); (cf. δι-, ἐξ-, συν-εγείρω, and V. Cremer, 224). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 132 NT verses. KJV: awake, lift (up), raise (again, up), rear up, (a-)rise (again, up), stand, take up See also: 1 Corinthians 6:14; Luke 11:31; 1 Peter 1:21.

αυτον autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-ASM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

Study Notes — John 2:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
John 2:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 2:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 2:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 2:20
Trapp's Commentary on John 2:20
Ellicott's Commentary on John 2:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 2:20
Cambridge Bible on John 2:20
Barnes' Notes on John 2:20
Whedon's Commentary on John 2:20

Context — Jesus Cleanses the Temple

18On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” 19Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.”

20“This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?”

21But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. 22After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

John 2:20 Summary

[This verse shows the Jews' amazement and skepticism at Jesus' claim to raise the temple in three days, they couldn't understand how He could do it so quickly, especially since the temple had taken forty-six years to build. Jesus was actually talking about His own body, which would be raised from the dead on the third day, as He explained in John 2:21, this is a powerful reminder of Jesus' authority and power over death and sin, as seen in Romans 6:9-10. We can learn from the Jews' response to trust in Jesus' power and authority, even when we don't understand what He is doing, and to remember that He is always working for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the forty-six years it took to build the temple?

The forty-six years refers to the time it took to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Babylonians, as recorded in Ezra 5:1-2 and Ezra 6:15, this highlights the magnitude of Jesus' claim to raise it up in three days.

Why did the Jews not understand Jesus' statement about raising the temple?

The Jews did not understand Jesus' statement because they thought He was talking about the physical temple, whereas Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body, as He later explained in John 2:21, this is supported by Jesus' words in John 14:23 where He says He will make His home with those who love Him.

How does this verse relate to Jesus' authority and power?

This verse shows the Jews' skepticism about Jesus' authority and power, but it also sets the stage for Jesus' resurrection, which would demonstrate His power over death and sin, as seen in John 10:17-18 and Romans 6:9-10.

What can we learn from the Jews' response to Jesus' statement?

We can learn that unbelief and skepticism can blind us to the truth, as seen in the Jews' response, but we can also learn that faith and trust in Jesus can lead to a deeper understanding of His words and actions, as seen in John 20:31 and Acts 2:22-24.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I struggle to trust in Jesus' power and authority, and how can I apply the truth of this verse to those areas?
How does Jesus' statement about raising the temple in three days relate to my own experiences of waiting for God to work in my life?
In what ways can I, like the Jews, be blinded to the truth of Jesus' words and actions, and how can I cultivate a deeper faith and trust in Him?
What does this verse teach me about the nature of Jesus' body and His sacrifice for me, and how can I respond to that truth in my daily life?

Gill's Exposition on John 2:20

Then said the Jews,.... Unto him, as read the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions: forty and six years was this temple in building; which cannot be understood of the temple as built by

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 2:20

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 2:20

The Jews understood his words of that material temple in which they at this time were, which the best interpreters think was the temple built by Ezra and Zerubbabel; but how to make it out that it was forty six years building, they are not well agreed. Some say, Cyrus reigned thirty, Cambyses eight, Darius six; these added together make forty four. Others say that the Magi reigned two years more. Some reckon to Cyrus thirty one, to his son Cambyses nine, Darius six. Others say that the years wherein the building was hindered during Artaxerxes’ s time, , added to the two years of Darius, , in whose sixth year it was finished, are reckoned together. The Jews thought it strange that our Saviour should undertake in three days to rear a building which had cost their forefathers so many years.

Trapp's Commentary on John 2:20

20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? Ver. 20. Forty and six years] All, save what lacks; for it was six years’ work only, but they reckon the interim of interruption, Ezra 3:1-13; Ezra 4:1-24; Ezra 5:1-17; Ezra 6:1-22; Ezra 7:1-28, to aggravate the matter. So they are not only blinded, but hardened.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 2:20

(20) They profess to seek a sign for evidence; they use it for cavil. Forty and six years was this temple in building.—It is implied that it was not then finished. The date of the completion is given by Josephus (Ant. xx. 9, § 7) as A.D. 64. The same author gives the eighteenth year of the reign of Herod the Great (Nisan 734—Nisan 735, A.U.100) as the commencement of the renewal of the Temple of Zerubbabel (Ant. xv. 11, § 1). This would give A.U.C. 781-782, i.e., A.D. 28-29, as the date of the cleansing. In another passage Josephus gives the month Kislev A.U.C. 734, as the date of the festival connected with the building of the Temple (Ant. xiv. 16, § 4). This would fix our present date as the Passover of A.U.C. 781, i.e., A.D. 28. St. Luke furnishes us with an independent date for the commencement of the ministry of John the Baptist. If we count the “fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius (comp. Note on Luke 3:1) from the commencement of his first reign with Augustus (A.U.C. 765, i.e., A.D. 12), this date will be A.U.C. 780, i.e., A.D. 27. The present Passover was in the following year, i.e., as before, A.D. 28. The sole reign of Tiberius commenced two years later (A.D. 14), so that while we have certainly no discrepancy between these independent dates, we have probably a very striking coincidence. Its bearing upon the authenticity of the present Gospel is evident. Rear it up represents the same Greek word as “raise up,” in the previous verse; but the word fits the double meaning. It is the regular term for raising from the dead; but it is also used of rearing up a building, as, e.g., in 3 Ezra 5:44; Sir 49:11.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 2:20

Verse 20. Forty and six years was this temple in building] The temple of which the Jews spake was begun to be rebuilt by Herod the Great, in the 18th year of his reign: Jos. Ant. b. xv. c. 11, s. 1; and xx. c. 9, s. 5, 7. But though he finished the main work in nine years and a half, yet some additional buildings or repairs were constantly carried on for many years afterwards. Herod began the work sixteen years before the birth of our Lord: the transactions which are here related took place in the thirtieth year of our Lord, which make the term exactly forty-six years. Rosenmuller. Josephus, Ant. b. xx. c. 8, s. 5, 7, has told us that the whole of the buildings belonging to the temple were not finished till Nero's reign, when Albinus, the governor of Judea, was succeeded by Gessius Florus, which was eighty years after the eighteenth year of Herod's reign. See Bp. Pearce.

Cambridge Bible on John 2:20

20. Forty and six years, &c.] This was the third Temple. Solomon’s Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Zerubbabel’s was rebuilt by Herod the Great. The Greek implies that the building began 46 years ago, but not that it is now completed. “The building of the Temple, we are told by Josephus (Ant. xv. ii. 1), was begun in the 18th year of Herod the Great, 734–735 a. u. c. Reckoning 46 years from this point, we are brought to 781 or 782 a. u. c. = 28 or 29 a.d. Comparing this with the data given in Luke 3:1, the question arises, whether we are to reckon the 15th year of Tiberius from his joint reign with Augustus, which began a.d. 12; or from his sole reign after the death of Augustus, a.d. 14. This would give us a.d. 27 or 29 for the first public appearance of the Baptist, and at the earliest a.d. 28 or 30 for the Passover mentioned in this chapter.” S. p. 65. So that there seems to be exact agreement between this date and that of S. Luke, if we count S. Luke’s 15 years from the joint reign of Tiberius. It is incredible that this coincidence can have been planned; it involves an intricate calculation, and even with the aid of Josephus absolute certainty cannot be obtained. “By what conceivable process could a Greek in the second century have come to hit upon this roundabout expedient for giving a fictitious date to his invention?” S. p. 67.rear it up] Better, raise it up; the same verb as in John 2:19. For other instances of gross misunderstanding of Christ’s words comp. John 3:4; John 3:9, John 4:11; John 4:15; John 4:33, John 6:34; John 6:52, John 7:35, John 8:22; John 8:33; John 8:52, John 11:12, John 14:5.

Barnes' Notes on John 2:20

Then said the Jews ... - The Jews, either from the ambiguity of his language, or more probably from a design to cavil, understood him as speaking of the temple at Jerusalem.

Whedon's Commentary on John 2:20

20. Forty and six years—The first temple was built by Solomon in seven years. The second temple was originally built by Zerubbabel; but when Herod assumed the government he proposed to build it anew.