From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

MATTHEW 16:21KJV
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Matthew 16:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 16:21 mean?

Matthew 16:21 describes how Jesus began to openly tell his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, where he would suffer at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then rise again on the third day. This is the first time in Matthew’s Gospel that Jesus clearly explains to his followers what will soon happen to him.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to his closest followers, preparing them for the difficult events ahead. The setting is just after Peter has recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and now Jesus starts to reveal that his mission includes suffering and death, not just victory. This marks a turning point in the story, as Jesus shifts from teaching and miracles to preparing his disciples for his coming sacrifice.

The Greek behind Matthew 16:21

  • ἔδει (dei, “must”): This word means something is necessary or required. Here, it shows that Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection are not accidents but part of a necessary plan.
  • παθεῖν (pathein, “suffer”): This word means to experience pain or hardship. Jesus is clear that he will face real suffering at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes.
  • ἀποκτανθῆναι (apoktanthēnai, “be killed”): This is a strong word for being put to death, showing that Jesus is not just talking about hardship but actual execution.
  • ἐγερθῆναι (egerthēnai, “be raised”): This word means to be raised up, often used for resurrection. Jesus is telling his disciples that his death will not be the end, but that he will rise again on the third day.

Why Matthew 16:21 matters

  • Matthew 16:21 clears up the idea that Jesus’ mission was only about earthly success or political power; it emphasizes that suffering and resurrection are central to his purpose.
  • This verse marks a shift in Jesus’ teaching, as he begins to prepare his disciples for the reality of his coming death and resurrection, which they did not expect.
  • Understanding this verse helps make sense of the disciples’ confusion and reactions in the following passages, as they struggle to accept that the Messiah would suffer and die.

Where else these words appear

“shew” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
  • James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

“suffer” Greek G3958 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 17:12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.
  • Acts 3:18 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
  • Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 17:23 And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.
  • Luke 20:31 And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

“Jerusalem” Greek G2414 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
  • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: