And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.

MATTHEW 17:23KJV
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Matthew 17:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 17:23 mean?

Matthew 17:23 says that Jesus told his disciples he would be killed, but on the third day he would rise again, and this news made them very sad. The verse highlights both Jesus’ prediction of his death and resurrection and the disciples’ deep sorrow upon hearing it.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking privately to his closest followers, preparing them for what is going to happen to him in Jerusalem. The verse shows that even though Jesus clearly says he will rise again, the disciples are overwhelmed by the thought of his death and do not yet grasp the hope in his words.

The Greek behind Matthew 17:23

  • The word for "kill" is ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō), which means to put to death or to slay. This is a strong term, leaving no doubt that Jesus is talking about a violent death.
  • The word for "raised again" is ἐγείρω (egeirō), which means to wake up or to raise up. In this context, it points to being brought back to life, not just waking from sleep.
  • The phrase "exceeding sorry" uses λίαν (lian) for "exceeding" and λυπέω (lypeō) for "sorry," meaning the disciples were deeply grieved or distressed, not just mildly upset.

Why Matthew 17:23 matters

  • This verse makes clear that Jesus openly predicted both his death and resurrection before they happened, showing he knew what was coming.
  • The disciples’ strong reaction shows they did not yet understand or expect the resurrection, even though Jesus spoke plainly.
  • Matthew 17:23 connects to earlier and later moments where Jesus tries to prepare his followers for the events of his final days, highlighting their struggle to comprehend his mission.

Where else these words appear

“exceeding” Greek G4970 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • Matthew 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
  • Mark 16:4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.

“sorry” Greek G3076 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
  • Mark 14:19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?
  • 2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

“third” Greek G5154 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 16:21 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.
  • 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.

“kill” Greek G615 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Luke 11:49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
  • Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: