Book of John - Chapter 2 - Verse 20

In this verse, the Jews are questioning Jesus about his statement that he could rebuild the temple in three days. They are incredulous, pointing out that it took forty-six years to construct the temple they were currently in. The Jews are missing the metaphorical meaning behind Jesus' words. Jesus is not talking about rebuilding the physical temple in Jerusalem, but rather about his own body. He is foreshadowing his death and resurrection, telling them that he will rise again in three days. The Jews, focused on the physical structure of the temple, fail to grasp the deeper spiritual truth Jesus is trying to convey. This verse serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to look beyond the literal meaning of words to truly understand the message being communicated.

The phrase "Forty and six years was this temple in building" in John 2:20 is significant in a theological context as it refers to the construction time of the second temple in Jerusalem. The Jews were referring to Herod's renovation of the temple, which took 46 years to complete. This statement highlights the grandeur and importance of the temple in Jewish religious life. Jesus' response about rebuilding the temple in three days is interpreted in various ways. Some theologians see it as a prediction of his resurrection, while others view it as a symbolic reference to the coming destruction and rebuilding of the temple of his body. This verse demonstrates the complexity of Jesus' teachings and the need for careful interpretation of his words. Word studies on phrases like "rearing it up in three days" can shed light on the deeper meanings and symbolism in biblical texts, enriching our understanding of scripture.