And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

MATTHEW 20:17KJV
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Matthew 20:17 (KJV)

What does Matthew 20:17 mean?

Matthew 20:17 describes Jesus taking His twelve disciples aside while they are traveling up to Jerusalem and beginning to speak to them privately. The verse sets the scene for an important conversation Jesus is about to have with His closest followers as they approach a significant moment in His ministry.

In this verse, Jesus is the one speaking, and He intentionally separates the twelve disciples from the larger group of followers as they make their way toward Jerusalem. This private setting signals that what Jesus is about to say is important and meant specifically for the disciples, preparing them for what lies ahead in Jerusalem.

The Greek behind Matthew 20:17

  • The word "apart" is translated from two Greek words: κατά (kata, G2596) and ἴδιος (idios, G2398). Together, they emphasize that Jesus took the disciples aside in a personal and private way, away from others.
  • The word "took" comes from the Greek παρέλαβεν (paralambanō, G3880), which often means to take someone along with you or to receive them closely. This highlights the intentional and personal nature of Jesus’ action.
  • The word "way" is from the Greek ὁδός (hodos, G3598), meaning a road or journey. This reminds the reader that this conversation happens while traveling, not in a settled place, adding urgency and movement to the scene.

Why Matthew 20:17 matters

  • Matthew 20:17 clarifies that Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples privately for what was about to happen in Jerusalem, showing His care for them and the seriousness of the moment.
  • The verse connects directly to the following verses, where Jesus predicts His suffering and death, making this a turning point in the narrative.
  • By noting the journey "up to Jerusalem," the verse highlights the significance of the location, as Jerusalem is central to the events of Jesus’ final days.

Where else these words appear

“took” Greek G3880 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 5:40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
  • Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

“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:

“twelve” Greek G1427 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Mark 10:32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,
  • John 6:13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

“up” Greek G305 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
  • John 2:13 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
  • Acts 21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.