And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

MATTHEW 24:2KJV
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Matthew 24:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 24:2 mean?

Matthew 24:2 records Jesus telling his disciples that the temple buildings they are looking at will be completely destroyed. His words challenge the impression that such impressive buildings will remain standing.

The picture of one stone not being left upon another describes the dismantling of a massive structure. Jesus says this after the disciples have drawn his attention to the temple buildings in the preceding verse.

The Greek behind Matthew 24:2

  • “verily” — ἀμήν (amēn): The word carries the sense of “truly.” Jesus uses it here to give special weight to what he is about to say.
  • “thrown down” — καταλύω (katalyō): The word can mean to tear down or demolish. Here it describes the destruction of the stonework, not merely damage to the buildings.

Why Matthew 24:2 matters

  • Jesus speaks about the buildings in front of the disciples. His question, “See ye not all these things?”, points back to the temple buildings they had just shown him.
  • Jesus’ statement leads to the disciples’ questions about timing and signs. In verse 3, they ask when “these things” will happen and what sign will accompany his coming and the end of the world.
  • The temple was later destroyed by Roman forces in AD 70. Matthew 24:2 presents Jesus’ statement before that event.

Where else these words appear

“shall” Greek G2647 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
  • Mark 15:29 And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days,
  • Acts 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

“stone” Greek G3037 · used in 55 verses

  • Matthew 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
  • Luke 4:3 And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread.
  • Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

“here” Greek G5602 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • Mark 9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
  • Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.

“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.