King James Version

What Does Matthew 16:21 Mean?

Matthew 16:21 in the King James Version says “From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

Matthew 16:21 · KJV


Context

19

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

20

Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

21

From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. Be: Gr. Pity thyself

23

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus begins revealing His approaching suffering, death, and resurrection—core gospel events. The phrase 'began to shew' indicates this teaching continues through the Gospels. Reformed soteriology emphasizes the necessity of Christ's suffering: God's justice required payment for sin, accomplished through the cross. Jesus 'must' (Greek 'dei'—divine necessity) suffer because God's redemptive plan demanded it. The mention of resurrection shows death isn't defeat but the path to victory over sin and death.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching shocked disciples expecting a conquering Messiah, not a suffering servant. Jesus mentions Jerusalem (where prophets died), elders/chief priests/scribes (Sanhedrin leadership), and being killed—details fulfilled in the Passion narrative. The third-day resurrection reference points to Hosea 6:2 and establishes the timeline. This is Jesus' first Passion prediction in Matthew.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's necessary suffering demonstrate God's justice and mercy?
  2. What wrong expectations about Jesus do you need to release?
  3. How does the resurrection transform the meaning of Christ's suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
ἀπὸ1 of 32

From

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τότε2 of 32

that time forth

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

ἤρξατο3 of 32

began

G756

to commence (in order of time)

4 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς5 of 32

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

δεικνύειν6 of 32

to shew

G1166

to show (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς7 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταῖς8 of 32

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτὸν9 of 32

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι10 of 32

how that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

δεῖ11 of 32

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

αὐτὸν12 of 32

he

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀπελθεῖν13 of 32

go

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

εἰς14 of 32

unto

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα15 of 32

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

καὶ16 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πολλὰ17 of 32

many things

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

παθεῖν18 of 32

suffer

G3958

to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)

ἀπὸ19 of 32

From

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν20 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρεσβυτέρων21 of 32

the elders

G4245

older; as noun, a senior; specially, an israelite sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or christian "presbyter"

καὶ22 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀρχιερέων23 of 32

chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest

καὶ24 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γραμματέων25 of 32

scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ26 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀποκτανθῆναι27 of 32

be killed

G615

to kill outright; figuratively, to destroy

καὶ28 of 32

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῇ29 of 32
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τρίτῃ30 of 32

the third

G5154

third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly

ἡμέρᾳ31 of 32

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐγερθῆναι32 of 32

be raised again

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 16:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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