Matthew 21:17
What does Matthew 21:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 21:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 21:17 means
After His confrontations and actions in the Temple, Jesus departed from Jerusalem and went to Bethany for the night. This action reveals a practical aspect of Jesus' ministry, seeking rest outside the bustling, often hostile, city. Bethany, located on the Mount of Olives, was a familiar place of refuge with friends, providing a temporary respite from the intense and escalating opposition in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And he left them, and went forth out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he went away from them, and went out of the town to Bethany, and was there for the night.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And having left them, he went forth out of the city to Bethany, and did lodge there,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And leaving them, he went out of the city into Bethania and remained here.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And leaving them he went forth out of the city to Bethany, and there he passed the night.
Context
This verse concludes Jesus' activities in Jerusalem for the day, following His confrontation with the chief priests and scribes. It marks a brief interlude before Jesus returns to the city the next morning, setting the scene for the encounter with the fig tree. This departure highlights the daily rhythm of Jesus' ministry during Passion Week and His strategic movements.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 8:37
And all the people of the country of the Gerasenes round about asked him to depart from them; for they were holden with great fear: and he entered into a boat, and returned.
- Luke 19:29
And it came to pass, when he drew nigh unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples,
- Matthew 16:4
An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of Jonah. And he left them, and departed.
- John 11:18
Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off;
- Mark 11:19
And every evening he went forth out of the city.
- Jeremiah 6:8
Be thou instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from thee; lest I make thee a desolation, a land not inhabited.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 21.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Rejection
Rejection is a painful human experience, but the Bible offers comfort, guidance, and a divine perspective on feeling excluded or unaccepted.
Topic
Bible Verses About Adultery
Adultery, a grave sin against God and marriage, represents a betrayal of trust and a violation of sacred vows.
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.