John 2:20 (KJV)

What does John 2:20 mean?

John 2:20 records the response of the Jewish leaders to Jesus’ claim about raising the temple in three days, pointing out that the temple had taken forty-six years to build, so rebuilding it in three days seemed impossible to them. The verse highlights their confusion and literal interpretation of Jesus’ words.

In this scene, the Jewish leaders are speaking to Jesus in the temple courts after He has driven out the money changers. They refer to the physical temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the long and difficult process of its construction. Their question shows that they are thinking only of the building itself, not realizing Jesus is speaking about His own body as a “temple” that would be raised after three days.

The Greek behind John 2:20

• The word for “temple” here is ναός (naos), which often refers specifically to the inner sanctuary, not just the whole temple complex. This adds weight to their astonishment, as the most sacred part of the temple was being discussed.
• The verb ἐγείρω (egeirō, “rear up” or “raise up”) is used for both physical construction and resurrection. The Greek here allows for a double meaning, which Jesus uses but the leaders miss.
• The phrase “in three days” (ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις, en trisin hēmerais) is a common way in Greek to indicate a very short, specific period, making their disbelief more understandable.

Why John 2:20 matters

• John 2:20 shows how the listeners misunderstood Jesus by taking His words literally, missing the deeper meaning about His death and resurrection.
• The verse sets up the contrast between earthly things (the physical temple) and spiritual realities (Jesus’ body as the true temple).
• This misunderstanding by the Jewish leaders helps prepare the reader for Jesus’ later explanations about His resurrection and identity, which are central themes in John’s Gospel.