For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

MATTHEW 23:39KJV
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Matthew 23:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:39 mean?

Matthew 23:39 records Jesus telling the people that they will not see him again until they say, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” This means there will be a time of separation until they recognize and welcome him as the one sent by God.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the people of Jerusalem after expressing sorrow over their rejection of him. He refers to a future moment when they will acknowledge him with words from Psalm 118:26, a phrase used to greet the Messiah. The statement points to both a coming absence and a future hope of acceptance.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:39

  • “Blessed” (εὐλογημένος, eulogēmenos): This word means “spoken well of” or “favored.” Here, it signals a special recognition and honor, showing that the people will one day acknowledge Jesus in a way they have not before.
  • “Cometh” (ἐρχόμενος, erchomenos): This word means “the one who comes.” In this context, it is a title for the awaited Messiah, highlighting Jesus’ identity and the expectation of his arrival.
  • “In the name” (ἐν ὀνόματι, en onomati): This phrase means “with the authority” or “as the representative” of the Lord. It emphasizes that Jesus comes with God’s approval and purpose, not on his own.

Why Matthew 23:39 matters

  • Matthew 23:39 clarifies that Jesus’ rejection by Jerusalem is not final; there is an expectation of future recognition and acceptance.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ mission to Old Testament hopes, using language from Psalm 118 to show continuity between Jesus and the Scriptures.
  • This statement marks a turning point in the Gospel, as Jesus prepares to leave the public scene and signals that his return will be tied to a change in the people’s response to him.

Where else these words appear

“henceforth” Greek G737 · used in 35 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.
  • John 13:7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

“Blessed” Greek G2127 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 1:64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.
  • Romans 12:14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

“not” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“till” Greek G2193 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • Mark 12:36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.
  • John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.