John 2:21

21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.

John 2:21 Meaning and Commentary

John 2:21

But he spoke of the temple of his body.
] Which was the antitype of the material temple; and might well be called so, since the bodies of the saints are called temples, ( 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Corinthians 3:17 ) ( 6:19 ) ( 2 Corinthians 6:16 ) ; and the human nature of Christ is called a tabernacle, ( Hebrews 8:2 ) ; and he himself, in prophecy, is said to be (vdqml) , "for a sanctuary", or temple, ( Isaiah 8:14 ) , and that because the fulness of the Godhead dwelt in him bodily, the train of the divine perfections filled the temple of his human nature, ( Colossians 2:9 ) ( Isaiah 6:1 ) . And because here, as in the temple, God grants his presence, and communes with his saints, accepts of their prayers and praises, and all their spiritual sacrifices through him; and who is the oracle, the true "Urim" and "Thummim", by whom he delivers his whole mind and will to his people.

John 2:21 In-Context

19 Jesus answered and said to them: Destroy this temple; and in three days I will raise it up.

20 The Jews then said: Six and forty years was this temple in building; and wilt thou raise it up in three days?

21 But he spoke of the temple of his body.

22 When therefore he was risen again from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this: and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had said.

23 Now when he was at Jerusalem, at the pasch, upon the festival day, many believed in his name, seeing his signs which he did.