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Book of Matthew - Chapter 23 - Verse 38

23:38
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Meaning

When Jesus spoke the words "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate," he was addressing the people of Jerusalem and the religious leaders who rejected him and his teachings. By calling their house desolate, Jesus was declaring that their spiritual state was empty, devoid of true faith and righteousness. The word "house" in this context symbolizes the temple, but it also represents the hearts of the people who had turned away from God. Jesus was warning them that their rejection of him as the Messiah would ultimately lead to their own spiritual destruction and separation from God. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's truth and living in disobedience. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning back to God before it is too late.

Theological Overview

In the theological interpretation of the verse "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate," scholars often point to the context in which Jesus spoke these words. This statement was made during Jesus' final week before His crucifixion, as He lamented over the rejection of God's messengers throughout history by the religious leaders of His time. By using the term "house," Jesus could be referring to the temple in Jerusalem, which was supposed to be a house of prayer but had become corrupted by greed and hypocrisy. The word "desolate" conveys a sense of abandonment and destruction, indicating that the religious leaders had turned away from God and were facing the consequences of their actions. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of spiritual blindness and the importance of staying true to God's will.

American Standard Version

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
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