King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:61 Mean?

Matthew 26:61 in the King James Version says “And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.”

Matthew 26:61 · KJV

Context

59

Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

60

But found none: yea, though many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses,

61

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

62

And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee?

63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days (εἶπαν, Οὗτος ἔφη, Δύναμαι καταλῦσαι τὸν ναὸν τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ διὰ τριῶν ἡμερῶν οἰκοδομῆσαι αὐτόν)—The contemptuous οὗτος ('this fellow, this one') shows disrespect. They quoted Jesus's words (John 2:19) but distorted them: Jesus said, 'Destroy this temple' (imperative, challenging them); they claim He said, 'I am able to destroy' (δύναμαι, expressing ability/threat). Jesus spoke of His body's resurrection (John 2:21); they implied He threatened literal temple destruction. Truth twisted into lie through selective editing and interpretive distortion.

The charge was serious—threatening the temple meant opposing Israel's worship center, Judaism's heart. Stephen later faced similar charges (Acts 6:13-14). The 'three days' detail came from Jesus's words but divorced from resurrection context became mere boast. This demonstrates how Scripture can be weaponized through misinterpretation—Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus (4:6), misapplying it. Context matters; interpretation requires honesty. These witnesses used Jesus's own words against Him—the supreme irony since His words are life (John 6:63, 68).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's temple-saying (John 2:19) occurred at Passover early in His ministry (AD 27-28), three years before this trial. The witnesses dredged up old words, distorting them for accusation. The temple (ναός, naos, sanctuary proper) was Herod's magnificent structure, recently expanded—boasting ability to destroy and rebuild it in three days sounded megalomaniacal. Jews told Jesus rebuilding took 46 years (John 2:20). In AD 70, Rome literally destroyed the temple. Jesus prophesied its destruction (24:2); ironically, they accused Him of threatening what God would accomplish.

Reflection Questions

  1. How are Jesus's words still distorted today through selective quotation divorced from context?
  2. When have you misused Scripture by twisting its meaning to support predetermined conclusions rather than submitting to its actual message?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἶπον,1 of 15

“And said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

Οὗτος2 of 15

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἔφη3 of 15

“fellow said”

G5346

to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e., speak or say

Δύναμαι4 of 15

“I am able”

G1410

to be able or possible

καταλῦσαι5 of 15

“to destroy”

G2647

to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night

τὸν6 of 15
G3588

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

ναὸν7 of 15

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

τοῦ8 of 15
G3588

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

θεοῦ9 of 15

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ10 of 15

“and”

G2532

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

διὰ11 of 15

“in”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τριῶν12 of 15

“three”

G5140

"three"

ἡμερῶν13 of 15

“days”

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

οἰκοδομῆσαι14 of 15

“to build”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

αὐτόν15 of 15

“it”

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

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 26:61 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 26:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 2:19-21Matthew 27:40Mark 15:29Acts 18:13Psalms 22:6-7Isaiah 53:3

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