Devine Scripture

Matthew 27:40

What does Matthew 27:40 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 27:40 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 27:40 means

The mockers accuse Jesus of destroying the temple and rebuilding it in three days, challenging him to save himself if he is the Son of God. They twist his earlier words about destroying and raising the temple into a taunt, urging him to prove divine power by self-preservation. Their demand exposes a shallow skepticism—equating miraculous proof with self-promotion. The taunt also underlines how Jesus’ words were misunderstood and sets the stage for his final cries from the cross.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself: if thou art the Son of God, come down from the cross.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You who would give the Temple to destruction and put it up again in three days, get yourself free: if you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and saying, `Thou that art throwing down the sanctuary, and in three days building <FI>it<Fi> , save thyself; if Son thou art of God, come down from the cross.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And saying: Vah, thou that destroyest the temple of God and in three days dost rebuild it: save thy own self. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou art Son ofGod, descend from the cross.

Context

This verse continues the mockery of passersby (v. 39) and directly references Jesus’ earlier statement about the temple (chapters 26–27 earlier; Matthew framed it). The taunt both misrepresents Jesus’ mission and intensifies the pressure for him to demonstrate power, which he refuses to do for show.

v.39And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads,

v.40This passage

v.41In like manner also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 27:54

    Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

  • Revelation 11:10

    And they that dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and make merry; and they shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwell on the earth.

  • Luke 16:31

    And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, if one rise from the dead.

  • Matthew 27:42

    He saved others; himself he cannot save. He is the King of Israel; let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe on him.

  • John 2:19

    Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

  • Matthew 26:61

    and said, This man said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

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