What does John 2:19 mean?

Explanation

John 2:19 is a pivotal verse in the New Testament where Jesus refers to the destruction and subsequent resurrection of His body.

Jesus is not speaking of the literal temple made of stone but rather using it as a metaphor for His body.

The "destroy this temple" phrase suggests the crucifixion of Jesus, and "in three days I will raise it up" foretells His resurrection.

The deeper meaning here encompasses the idea of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins and the temple as a placeholder for God's presence, now replaced by Jesus himself.

Historical Context

John 2:19 must be understood in the context of early first-century Judaism, where the Second Temple in Jerusalem was the center of Jewish religious life.

The context of the narrative is the Jewish Passover, and Jesus is in the temple courts where he expelled the money changers and animal sellers, underscoring his criticism of the existing religious practices.

This statement shocks the onlookers, as they interpret it as a threat to the physical temple, an important symbol of their faith and national identity.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives approach this verse in various ways:

Traditional Christian theology sees this as a prediction of Jesus' death and resurrection. 2.

Christological interpretation regards this as an affirmation of Jesus' divine authority. 3.

Ecclesiological views might interpret the temple as a representation of the church, which Jesus resurrects through His teachings and the Holy Spirit.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse encourages believers to:

Understand Jesus as the central figure of their faith, not physical buildings or rituals. 2.

Embrace the concept of death and resurrection as a metaphor for personal transformation and renewal. 3.

Have faith in difficult situations, believing that restoration and a positive outcome are possible by God's power.

Cross-References

• Matthew 26:61 - "And said, This [fellow] said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days."
• 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."

• Mark 14:58 - "We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands."
• Mark 15:29 - "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "temple" used here is "ναός" (naos), specifically referring to the sanctuary or the holy place, rather than the whole temple complex.

The verb "raise" is "εγείρω" (egeirō), which implies to "wake up" or "rouse from sleep," often used metaphorically in relation to resurrection.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions, resurrection was sometimes a theme, such as in the stories of Egyptian deity Osiris.

However, Jesus’ resurrection is unique in Christianity because it signifies a historical and transformative event with spiritual implications for salvation rather than being an allegorical or cyclical myth.

Scientific Perspectives

While science does not validate supernatural events, such as resurrection, it can explore the historical and psychological impacts of belief systems.

For instance, researchers might look into the effects of religious belief on community cohesion or personal well-being, using the belief in resurrection as an example.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars interpret this verse in light of its Johannine context:

• William Barclay notes the misunderstanding between Jesus and the Jews, emphasizing the Johannine theme of spiritual versus literal interpretation.
• D.A.

Carson views it as a pivotal moment demonstrating Jesus' authority and the introduction of a new "temple" in His body.

• Raymond E.

Brown highlights the post-resurrection understanding of the disciples, as they relate Jesus’ words back to His resurrection.