And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

MATTHEW 27:40KJV
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Matthew 27:40 (KJV)

What does Matthew 27:40 mean?

Matthew 27:40 describes how people mocked Jesus as He was crucified, challenging Him to save Himself and come down from the cross if He truly was the Son of God. They referenced His earlier statement about destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days, using it to taunt Him in His suffering.

The scene takes place at Jesus’ crucifixion, where bystanders—likely including religious leaders and others—are speaking directly to Jesus. Their words twist something Jesus had said earlier about the temple, using it as a way to ridicule Him and question His identity and power. This mocking highlights both their misunderstanding of Jesus’ message and their disbelief in His claim to be the Son of God.

The Greek behind Matthew 27:40

  • The word for "destroyest" (καταλύων, katalyōn) means to tear down or demolish, and here it is used to recall Jesus’ statement about the temple, though He was speaking figuratively about His body.
  • "Temple" (ναός, naos) refers specifically to the inner sanctuary of the temple, not just the building as a whole, which adds weight to the accusation.
  • The phrase "save thyself" uses the Greek word σῶσον (sōson), which means to rescue or deliver. The mockers are challenging Jesus to prove His power by escaping death.
  • "If thou be the Son of God" (υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ, huios tou theou) directly questions Jesus’ divine identity, echoing the temptation Jesus faced earlier in the Gospel.

Why Matthew 27:40 matters

  • This verse shows how Jesus’ words were misunderstood and used against Him, revealing the depth of the mockery and disbelief He faced.
  • The challenge to "come down from the cross" emphasizes the contrast between human expectations of power and the way Jesus chose to fulfill His mission.
  • The verse connects to earlier moments in Matthew, such as Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, where His identity as the Son of God was also questioned, highlighting a recurring theme of testing and misunderstanding.

Where else these words appear

“destroyest” 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.

“cross” Greek G4716 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
  • Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
  • Galatians 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

“buildest” 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.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;