Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

MATTHEW 23:38KJV
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Matthew 23:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:38 mean?

Matthew 23:38 says that the "house" of the people Jesus is addressing will be left empty and abandoned. In context, Jesus is warning that the temple and the religious life of Jerusalem will face desolation because of the people's rejection of his message.

Jesus is speaking to the crowds and religious leaders in Jerusalem, after a series of strong warnings and laments over their resistance to his teachings. The "house" most likely refers to the temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity. By saying it will be "left desolate," Jesus is expressing sorrow over the coming loss and emptiness that will result from their choices.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:38

  • οἶκος (oikos, G3624): This word means "house," and in this setting, it often points specifically to the temple in Jerusalem, not just any building or household. The focus is on the spiritual center of the people.
  • ἔρημος (erēmos, G2048): Translated "desolate," this word means deserted, abandoned, or empty. It carries a strong sense of loss and ruin, not just physical emptiness but also a sense of spiritual abandonment.
  • ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, G863): Translated "left," this verb means to send away, leave behind, or abandon. Here, it emphasizes the finality and seriousness of what is happening to the "house."

Why Matthew 23:38 matters

  • Matthew 23:38 clarifies that Jesus is not just predicting physical destruction, but also a spiritual emptiness for those who reject his message.
  • The verse connects directly to the warnings and laments Jesus gives throughout Matthew 23, showing the consequences of ignoring his call to repentance.
  • Understanding the meaning of "house" as the temple helps readers see the depth of loss Jesus is describing, both for the people’s worship and their relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“desolate” Greek G2048 · used in 50 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Luke 1:80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.

“house” Greek G3624 · used in 106 verses

  • Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins,(then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
  • Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
  • Acts 11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

“left” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.