John 2:19 (BSB)
Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.”
Commentary on John 2:19
- John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on John 2:19: 19. Destroy this temple. This is an allegorical mode of expression; and Christ intentionally spoke with that degree of obscurity, because he reckoned them unworthy of a direct reply; as he elsewhere declares that he speaks to them in parables, because they are unable to comprehend the mysteries of the heavenly kingdom, (Matthew 13:13.) But first he refuses to them the sign which they demanded...
- Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on John 2:12-22: Here we have, I. The short visit Christ made to Capernaum, Joh 2:12. It was a large and populous city, about a day's journey from Cana; it is called his own city (Mat 9:1), because he made it his head-quarters in Galilee, and what little rest he had was there.
- John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on John 2:19: Jesus answered and said unto them,.... In a dark and enigmaticai way, though very properly and pertinently; since it was with respect to the temple, and his power over it, and right to purge it, that a sign was required of him: destroy this temple; pointing, as it were, with his finger to his body; for of that he spake, as appears from Joh 2:21...
- Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on John 2:19: Verse 19. Destroy this temple. The evangelist informs us () that by temple, here, he meant his body. It is not improbable that he pointed with his finger to his body as he spoke. The word destroy, used here in the imperative, has rather the force of the future. Its meaning may thus be expressed: "You are now profaners of the temple of God.