John 2:17
What does John 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at John 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 2:17 means
The disciples remembered the Old Testament scripture, "Zeal for thy house shall eat me up," recognizing it as a direct prophecy fulfilled by Jesus' actions in the Temple. This remembrance highlights that Jesus' dramatic cleansing was not random, but an act rooted in divine purpose and foretold in scripture (Psalm 69:9). It affirms His identity as the Messiah, who would passionately defend the purity and holiness of God's dwelling place, providing a biblical lens through which to interpret His forceful intervention.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for thy house shall eat me up.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it came to the minds of the disciples that the Writings say, I am on fire with passion for your house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And his disciples remembered that it is written, `The zeal of Thy house did eat me up;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And his disciples remembered, that it was written: The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890[And] his disciples remembered that it is written, The zeal of thy house devours me.
Context
This verse provides a crucial interpretive lens for Jesus' Temple cleansing, through the eyes of His disciples. Their recollection and application of the Old Testament scripture (Psalm 69:9) directly connects Jesus' actions to prophetic fulfillment, deepening the theological meaning of the event. This serves to validate Jesus' authority to the reader, setting up the challenge from the Jewish leaders that follows.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 69:9
For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up; And the reproaches of them that reproach thee are fallen upon me.
- Psalms 119:139
My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.
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