Devine Scripture

Matthew 24:1

What does Matthew 24:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 24:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 24:1 means

As Jesus leaves the temple for the last time before His crucifixion, His disciples direct His attention to the magnificent structures of the temple complex. Their admiration reveals a common human tendency to be impressed by outward displays of power and beauty. This scene sets the stage for Jesus to shift their focus from the temporal and visible to the eternal and spiritual, preparing them for the profound and challenging truths He is about to reveal concerning the future.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on his way; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus went out of the Temple, and on the way his disciples came to him, pointing out the buildings of the Temple.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having gone forth, Jesus departed from the temple, and his disciples came near to show him the buildings of the temple,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus being come out of the temple, went away. And his disciples came to shew him the buildings of the temple.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus went forth and went away from the temple, and his disciples came to [him] to point out to him the buildings of the temple.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal transition, as Jesus and His disciples depart from the temple, where much of His public ministry has taken place. Their discussion about the temple's grandeur immediately precedes Jesus' shocking prophecy of its total destruction, setting the somber tone for the entire Olivet Discourse in the verses that follow.

v.1This passage

v.2But 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.

Cross references

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

  • 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.

  • Matthew 21:23

    And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

  • Luke 21:5

    And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and offerings, he said,

  • John 2:20

    The Jews therefore said, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou raise it up in three days?

  • Ezekiel 11:22

    Then did the cherubim lift up their wings, and the wheels were beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

  • Matthew 23:39

    For 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.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 24

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 24.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 24:1.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary