King James Version

What Does Matthew 21:17 Mean?

Matthew 21:17 in the King James Version says “And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Matthew 21:17 · KJV


Context

15

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

16

And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

17

And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

18

Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

19

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon , but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. a fig tree: Gr. one fig tree


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there—After confrontation with religious authorities, Jesus withdrew (ἐξῆλθεν, exēlthen) to Bethany, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11:1). He lodged there (ηὐλίσθη, ēulisthē) suggests regular nightly retreat from hostile Jerusalem.

Jesus's strategic withdrawal illustrates wisdom: He didn't court martyrdom prematurely but waited for the Father's appointed hour (John 7:6). Bethany ('house of affliction' or 'house of figs') became His refuge, foreshadowing the next morning's fig tree encounter (v.18-19). Even the Son of God needed fellowship and rest among friends.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Bethany lay about two miles east of Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives' eastern slope—beyond the Sabbath day's journey but close enough for daily teaching. Pilgrims typically camped outside Jerusalem during Passover due to overcrowding. Jesus's Bethany retreats fulfilled this custom while avoiding arrest before God's timing.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where is your 'Bethany'—the place of retreat and trusted fellowship when ministry becomes intense?
  2. How does Jesus's pattern of engagement and withdrawal inform your own rhythms of work and rest?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

And

G2532

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

καταλιπὼν2 of 12

he left

G2641

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

αὐτοὺς3 of 12

them

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

ἐξῆλθεν4 of 12

and went

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ἔξω5 of 12

out of

G1854

out(-side) (of doors), literally or figuratively

τῆς6 of 12
G3588

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

πόλεως7 of 12

the city

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

εἰς8 of 12

into

G1519

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

Βηθανίαν9 of 12

Bethany

G963

date-house; beth-any, a place in palestine

καὶ10 of 12

And

G2532

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

ηὐλίσθη11 of 12

he lodged

G835

to pass the night (properly, in the open air)

ἐκεῖ12 of 12

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither


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 21:17 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 21:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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