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 14:58KJV
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Mark 14:58 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:58 mean?

Mark 14:58 records an accusation made against Jesus during his trial, where witnesses claim they heard him say he would destroy the man-made temple and build another one not made by human hands in three days. This statement is used to suggest Jesus threatened the physical temple, but the words are presented as part of the charges brought against him.

The setting is Jesus’ trial before the Jewish council, where false witnesses are trying to find grounds to condemn him. The verse quotes what the accusers claim Jesus said, twisting his earlier teachings about the temple and resurrection. The phrase about destroying and rebuilding the temple is not a direct quote from Jesus but a version of what others say they heard, reflecting misunderstanding or misrepresentation of his actual words.

The Greek behind Mark 14:58

  • "Temple" (ναός, naos): This word refers specifically to the inner sanctuary of the temple, not just the whole temple complex. The accusation is serious because the sanctuary was the holiest place for Jews.
  • "Made with hands" (χειροποίητος, cheiropoiētos): This phrase means something built by human effort. The contrast with "made without hands" (ἀχειροποίητος, acheiropoiētos) points to something of divine origin or not created by people, hinting at a deeper meaning than just a physical building.
  • "Destroy" (καταλύω, katalyō): This word can mean to demolish or tear down completely. The use here emphasizes the seriousness of the accusation, as destroying the temple would be seen as a grave offense.

Why Mark 14:58 matters

  • Mark 14:58 highlights how Jesus’ words were misunderstood or twisted by his opponents, showing the tension between his true message and what others claimed he said.
  • The verse sets up the contrast between physical, human-made religion and something greater that Jesus points to—often understood as his resurrection or a new way of relating to God.
  • Understanding this accusation helps clarify why the religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat and why this charge played a key role in the events leading to his crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“hands” Greek G886 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
  • Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

“hands” Greek G5499 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 7:48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
  • Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
  • Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

“destroy” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • 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,
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“build” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Acts 7:47 But Solomon built him an house.