King James Version

What Does Matthew 24:1 Mean?

Matthew 24:1 in the King James Version says “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the tem...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 24 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 24:1 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

And Jesus 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.

3

And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately , saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Read Matthew 24 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple (ἐξῆλθεν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ)—Jesus's final departure from the temple marks a theological watershed. His leaving (ἐξέρχομαι, exerchomai) signals divine abandonment, echoing how God's glory departed from Solomon's temple (Ezekiel 10). When the disciples point to the buildings of the temple (τὰς οἰκοδομὰς τοῦ ἱεροῦ), they're marveling at Herod's renovations—massive white limestone blocks, some weighing 100 tons, overlaid with gold plates that blazed in the sun.

This sets the stage for the Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives overlooking the temple complex. The disciples' architectural admiration contrasts sharply with Jesus's prophecy of total destruction, creating dramatic irony that underscores the insufficiency of external religious magnificence without the presence of God.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Herod the Great began renovating the Second Temple in 20 BC, and construction continued until AD 64—just six years before its destruction. The temple complex covered 35 acres with porticoes, courts, and the sanctuary proper. Josephus describes stones 67 feet long, 7.5 feet high, and 9 feet wide. Jesus spoke these words during Passion Week, likely Tuesday afternoon, AD 30 or 33.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern religious structures or traditions might we admire while God's presence has departed?
  2. How does Jesus's departure from the temple foreshadow the New Covenant reality that believers themselves are now God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)?
  3. What does the disciples' focus on buildings rather than spiritual reality reveal about human nature?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
καὶ1 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

ἐξελθὼν2 of 19

“went out”

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

ὁ3 of 19
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς4 of 19

“Jesus”

G2424

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

ἐπορεύετο5 of 19

“and departed”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

ἀπὸ6 of 19

“from”

G575

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

τοῦ7 of 19
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ8 of 19

“of the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

καὶ9 of 19

“And”

G2532

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

προσῆλθον10 of 19

“came”

G4334

to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to

οἱ11 of 19
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ12 of 19

“disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

αὐτῷ13 of 19

“him”

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

ἐπιδεῖξαι14 of 19

“to him for to shew”

G1925

to exhibit (physically or mentally)

αὐτῷ15 of 19

“him”

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

τὰς16 of 19
G3588

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

οἰκοδομὰς17 of 19

“the buildings”

G3619

architecture, i.e., (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation

τοῦ18 of 19
G3588

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

ἱεροῦ19 of 19

“of the temple”

G2411

a sacred place, i.e., the entire precincts (whereas g3485 denotes the central sanctuary itself) of the temple (at jerusalem or elsewhere)

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 24:1 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 24:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 13:1-37Ezekiel 8:6Luke 21:5-36Jeremiah 6:8Matthew 23:39John 2:20

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 24 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 24 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes