Devine Scripture

Matthew 20:17

What does Matthew 20:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 20:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 20:17 means

As Jesus was "going up to Jerusalem," this detail marks a significant geographical and theological shift, signaling His approach to the culmination of His earthly ministry. Taking the disciples "apart" suggests a private and serious communication, preparing them for the weighty truths He is about to reveal. The journey to Jerusalem is consistently portrayed in the Gospels as leading directly to His passion and resurrection.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples apart, and on the way he said unto them,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And when Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples on one side, and said to them,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples by themselves in the way, and said to them,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples apart and said to them:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples with [him] apart in the way, and said to them,

Context

This verse marks a distinct transition from the parable of the laborers to Jesus' third prediction of His passion. It sets the scene specifically as Jesus and His disciples are on the road to Jerusalem, establishing the imminent context of His death and resurrection. This journey and the private conversation directly precede the explicit prophecy, underscoring its solemn importance.

v.16So the last shall be first, and the first last.

v.17This passage

v.18Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests and scribes; and they shall condemn him to death,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 16:13

    Now when Jesus came into the parts of Cæsarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Who do men say that the Son of man is?

  • Acts 10:41

    not to all the people, but unto witnesses that were chosen before of God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

  • Luke 18:31

    And he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets shall be accomplished unto the Son of man.

  • Mark 10:32

    And they were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going before them: and they were amazed; and they that followed were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were to happen unto him,

  • Genesis 18:17

    And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do;

  • John 15:15

    No longer do I call you servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I heard from my Father I have made known unto you.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 20

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 20.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 20:17.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary