And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

MATTHEW 26:61KJV
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Matthew 26:61 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:61 mean?

Matthew 26:61 records an accusation made against Jesus during his trial, where witnesses claim he said he could destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days. This statement is used to suggest Jesus threatened the temple, a serious charge in that context.

The verse takes place during Jesus’ trial before the Jewish leaders. Witnesses are speaking about Jesus, not to him, trying to find grounds to condemn him. The claim refers to something Jesus said earlier in his ministry, but here it is presented in a way that makes it sound like a literal threat against the temple building, which was central to Jewish worship and identity.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:61

  • "καταλύσαι" (katalysai, G2647) — This word means "to destroy" or "to tear down." In this context, it emphasizes the seriousness of the accusation, suggesting a physical act against the temple.
  • "ναὸν" (naon, G3485) — This is the Greek word for "temple," specifically referring to the inner sanctuary, not just the temple complex. The focus is on the most sacred part of the temple, heightening the gravity of the claim.
  • "οἰκοδομῆσαι" (oikodomēsai, G3618) — This word means "to build" or "to rebuild." The claim that Jesus could rebuild the temple in three days would have sounded impossible and even blasphemous to his listeners, adding to the sense of outrage.

Why Matthew 26:61 matters

  • This verse shows how Jesus’ words were misunderstood or twisted by his accusers, which is a recurring theme in the trial narratives.
  • The accusation highlights the central role of the temple in Jewish life and why any perceived threat to it was taken so seriously.
  • Understanding this charge helps explain the hostility Jesus faced from the religious leaders and sets the stage for the events leading to his crucifixion.

Where else these words appear

“destroy” 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.

“build” Greek G3618 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Luke 6:48 He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • Acts 7:47 But Solomon built him an house.

“temple” Greek G3485 · used in 40 verses

  • Matthew 23:16 Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
  • Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
  • Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

“said” Greek G5346 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • Luke 22:70 Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
  • Acts 23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.