Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:38

What does Matthew 23:38 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:38 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:38 means

Jesus pronounces a solemn and tragic judgment: "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." This refers primarily to the temple in Jerusalem, but also encompasses the city itself and metaphorically their national identity. Because of their persistent rejection of God's messengers and ultimately the Messiah Himself, God will withdraw His presence and protection, leaving their most sacred institutions to ruin. This prophecy was tragically fulfilled in A.D. 70 with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

See, your house is made waste.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Lo, left desolate to you is your house;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Behold, your house shall be left to you, desolate.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate;

Context

This verse is a direct consequence of Jerusalem's persistent rejection lamented in the previous verse. The pronouncement that "your house is left unto you desolate" is a chilling declaration of divine abandonment and impending judgment. It directly sets up the final verse, which explains the timing and condition under which Jesus, and thus God's presence, will return, emphasizing the profound spiritual consequences of their rejection and the future hope of recognition.

v.37O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

v.38This passage

v.39For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 9:7

    then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

  • Acts 6:13

    and set up false witnesses, who said, This man ceaseth not to speak words against this holy place, and the law:

  • Matthew 24:2

    But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

  • Mark 13:14

    But when ye see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not (let him that readeth understand), then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

  • Luke 21:20

    But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.

  • Jeremiah 7:9

    Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods that ye have not known,

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