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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 2:18 On account of this, the Jews demanded, "What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/43_Jhn_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 2:18 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="On account of this, the Jews demanded, What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/2-17.htm" title="John 2:17">◄</a> John 2:18 <a href="/john/2-19.htm" title="John 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/2.htm">New International Version</a> The Jews then responded to him, &#8220What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.” <a href="/esv/john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” <a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?” <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us that You do these things?" <a href="/kjv/john/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? <a href="/nkjv/john/2.htm">New King James Version</a> So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” <a href="/nasb_/john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” <a href="/nasb/john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> The Jews then said to Him, &#8220What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> The Jews therefore answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, seeing that You do these things?” <a href="/lsb/john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” <a href="/amp/john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the Jews retorted, “What sign (attesting miracle) can You show us as [proof of] your authority for doing these things?” <a href="/csb/john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So the Jews replied to him, “What sign will you show us for doing these things? ” <a href="/hcsb/john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So the Jews replied to Him, &#8220What sign of authority will You show us for doing these things?&#8221 <a href="/asv/john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? <a href="/cev/john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The Jewish leaders asked Jesus, "What miracle will you work to show us why you have done this?" <a href="/erv/john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? <a href="/gwt/john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The Jews reacted by asking Jesus, "What miracle can you show us to justify what you're doing?" <a href="/gnt/john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Jewish authorities came back at him with a question, "What miracle can you perform to show us that you have the right to do this?" <a href="/isv/john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then the Jewish leaders asked him, "What sign can you show us as authority for doing these things?" <a href="/msb/john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> On account of this, the Jews demanded, ?What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?? <a href="/net/john/2.htm">NET Bible</a> So then the Jewish leaders responded, "What sign can you show us, since you are doing these things?" <a href="/nheb/john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The Jewish leaders therefore answered him, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?" <a href="/wbt/john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then answered the Jews, and said to him, What sign showest thou to us, seeing that thou doest these things? <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So the Jews asked Him, "What proof of your authority do you exhibit to us, seeing that you do these things?" <a href="/web/john/2.htm">World English Bible</a> The Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> the Jews then answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us—that You do these things?” <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us that You do these things?" <a href="/ylt/john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> the Jews then answered and said to him, 'What sign dost thou shew to us -- that thou dost these things?' <a href="/slt/john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign shewest thou, that thou doest these things?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The Jews, therefore, answered, and said to him: What sign dost thou shew unto us, seeing thou dost these things? <a href="/cpdv/john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then the Jews responded and said to him, “What sign can you show to us, that you may do these things?” <a href="/nabre/john/2.htm">New American Bible</a> At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” <a href="/nrsvce/john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The Jews answered and said to him, What sign do you show us, that you are doing these things? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But the Judeans answered and said to him: “What sign are you showing us that you are doing these things?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then answered the Jews and said to him: What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things? <a href="/godbey/john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then the Jews responded and said to Him, What sign do you show us, because you do these things? <a href="/haweis/john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> The Jews then addressed him, and said to him, What miracle shewest thou, seeing thou actest thus? <a href="/mace/john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> whereupon the Jews said, what miracle can you show to justify your behaviour? <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So the Jews asked Him, "What proof of your authority do you exhibit to us, seeing that you do these things?" <a href="/worrell/john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> The Jews, therefore, answered and said to Him, "What sign dost Thou show to us, seeing that Thou doest these things? <a href="/worsley/john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> The Jews therefore answered and said unto Him, What sign dost thou shew us, seeing thou dost these things? <a href="/parallel/john/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=543" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">Jesus Cleanses the Temple</a> …17His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.” 18<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">On account of this,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaioi (Adj-NMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/611.htm" title="611: Apekrithēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.">demanded,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipan (V-AIA-3P) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">“What</a> <a href="/greek/4592.htm" title="4592: sēmeion (N-ANS) -- Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally.">sign</a> <a href="/greek/1166.htm" title="1166: deiknyeis (V-PIA-2S) -- A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.">can You show</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">to prove</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieis (V-PIA-2S) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">Your authority to do</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tauta (DPro-ANP) -- This; he, she, it. ">these things?”</a> 19Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-40</a> Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” / Jesus replied, “A wicked and adulterous generation demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. / For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came and tested Jesus by asking Him to show them a sign from heaven. / But He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘The weather will be fair, for the sky is red,’ / and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but not the signs of the times. ... <a href="/mark/8-11.htm">Mark 8:11-12</a> Then the Pharisees came and began to argue with Jesus, testing Him by demanding from Him a sign from heaven. / Jesus sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation.” <a href="/luke/11-29.htm">Luke 11:29-30</a> As the crowds were increasing, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It demands a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. / For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so the Son of Man will be a sign to this generation. <a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30</a> So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? <a href="/john/10-24.htm">John 10:24-25</a> So the Jews gathered around Him and demanded, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” / “I already told you,” Jesus replied, “but you did not believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify on My behalf. <a href="/john/20-30.htm">John 20:30-31</a> Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. / But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. <a href="/acts/2-22.htm">Acts 2:22</a> Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth was a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know. <a href="/acts/4-10.htm">Acts 4:10</a> then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Romans 1:4</a> and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22-24</a> Jews demand signs and Greeks search for wisdom, / but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-4</a> For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Hebrews 2:4</a> and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. <a href="/exodus/4-1.htm">Exodus 4:1-9</a> Then Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” / And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. / “Throw it on the ground,” said the LORD. So Moses threw it on the ground, and it became a snake, and he ran from it. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/13-1.htm">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a> If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, / and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, “Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,” / you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then answered the Jews and said to him, What sign show you to us, seeing that you do these things?What.<a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30</a> They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38</a> Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.<a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Matthew 16:1-4</a> The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven… seeing.<a href="/john/1-25.htm">John 1:25</a> And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?<a href="/matthew/21-23.htm">Matthew 21:23</a> And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?<a href="/mark/11-27.htm">Mark 11:27,28</a> And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders, … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/1-12.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/luke/23-23.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Exhibit</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/luke/12-56.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/luke/22-64.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/john/1-25.htm">Question</a> <a href="/luke/22-12.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-18.htm">Shewest</a> <a href="/luke/22-12.htm">Show</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-18.htm">Showest</a> <a href="/luke/23-8.htm">Sign</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/5-27.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/john/9-10.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Exhibit</a> <a href="/john/2-20.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/3-2.htm">Miraculous</a> <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/john/6-6.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">Question</a> <a href="/john/5-20.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/john/6-30.htm">Shewest</a> <a href="/john/4-25.htm">Show</a> <a href="/john/6-30.htm">Showest</a> <a href="/john/4-54.htm">Sign</a><div class="vheading2">John 2</div>1. <a href="/john/2-1.htm">Jesus turns water into wine;</a> 12. <a href="/john/2-12.htm">departs into Capernaum,</a> 13. <a href="/john/2-13.htm">and to Jerusalem,</a> 14. <a href="/john/2-14.htm">where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers.</a> 18. <a href="/john/2-18.htm">He foretells his death and resurrection.</a> 23. <a href="/john/2-23.htm">Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>On account of this, the Jews demanded The phrase "on account of this" refers to Jesus' actions in the temple, where He drove out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. This act challenged the established religious practices and authority of the Jewish leaders. The term "the Jews" in the Gospel of John often refers to the Jewish religious authorities rather than the Jewish people as a whole. These leaders were concerned about maintaining their power and the status quo within the temple system.“What sign can You show us In Jewish culture, a sign was often a miraculous event that validated a prophet or a divine message. The demand for a sign indicates the leaders' skepticism and their need for proof of Jesus' divine authority. This reflects a broader biblical theme where signs and wonders are used to confirm God's messengers, as seen in the ministries of Moses and Elijah.to prove Your authority Authority in the Jewish religious context was typically derived from lineage, adherence to the Law, or recognition by established religious leaders. Jesus' authority, however, was inherent and divine, challenging the traditional sources of authority. This question of authority is central to the Gospels, as Jesus often taught and acted with authority that astonished the people (e.g., <a href="/matthew/7-29.htm">Matthew 7:29</a>).to do these things?” "These things" refers to Jesus' cleansing of the temple, an act that symbolized judgment against the corruption and commercialization of the temple worship. The temple was the center of Jewish religious life, and any action taken there had significant implications. Jesus' actions foreshadowed the eventual destruction of the temple in AD 70 and pointed to Himself as the new temple, the dwelling place of God among His people (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a> This term often refers to the religious leaders or authorities in the context of the Gospels. Here, they are questioning Jesus' authority after He cleanses the temple. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure of the New Testament, who has just cleansed the temple, driving out the money changers and those selling animals for sacrifice. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple_in_jerusalem.htm">The Temple in Jerusalem</a> The sacred place where Jews came to worship and offer sacrifices. Jesus' actions in the temple were seen as a challenge to the established religious practices. 4. <a href="/topical/c/cleansing_of_the_temple.htm">Cleansing of the Temple</a> An event where Jesus drove out merchants and money changers from the temple, symbolizing a call to purity and true worship. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sign.htm">Sign</a> In this context, a miraculous act that would validate Jesus' authority and divine mission.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/a/authority_of_jesus.htm">Authority of Jesus</a> Jesus' authority is inherent and divine, not dependent on human validation. His actions in the temple demonstrate His zeal for true worship and His role as the Messiah. <a href="/topical/d/demand_for_signs.htm">Demand for Signs</a> The demand for signs reflects a lack of faith and understanding. True faith does not require constant miraculous proof but trusts in the character and promises of God. <a href="/topical/p/purity_in_worship.htm">Purity in Worship</a> Jesus' cleansing of the temple calls believers to examine their own worship practices. Are we focused on external rituals, or are we seeking a genuine relationship with God? <a href="/topical/u/understanding_jesus'_mission.htm">Understanding Jesus' Mission</a> Jesus' mission was not to conform to human expectations but to fulfill God's redemptive plan. Believers are called to align their expectations with God's purposes. <a href="/topical/r/resurrection_as_the_ultimate_sign.htm">Resurrection as the Ultimate Sign</a> Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate sign of His authority and divinity. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith and the assurance of eternal life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 2</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_fourfold_witness.htm">What is the concept of the Fourfold Witness?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_gospels_differ_on_jesus'_arrest.htm">Why do different Gospels have different reasons for why Jesus was arrested?</a> <a href="/q/why_harsh_reaction_in_john_9_13-16.htm">In John 9:13–16, why would the Pharisees react so harshly if this account were verifiable? </a> <a href="/q/why_hasn't_god_revealed_himself_scientifically.htm">Why has God never revealed Himself in an undeniable, scientifically testable way?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Then answered the Jews.--Comp. for the meaning of "the Jews" <a href="/john/1-19.htm" title="And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you?">John 1:19</a>; and for their question, <a href="/matthew/21-23.htm" title="And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority do you these things? and who gave you this authority?">Matthew 21:23</a>. The Mosaic legislation contained a warning against the efficiency of the test by signs (<a href="/context/deuteronomy/13-1.htm" title="If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder,">Deuteronomy 13:1-3</a>), but it was of the essence of Pharisaism to cling to it (<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm" title="Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.">Matthew 12:38</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm" title="For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:">1Corinthians 1:22</a>). It supplied an easy means of rejecting the moral conviction. A sign can only be evidence to the mind open to read the underlying truth. For "an evil and adulterous generation" it has no voice, and they can, after the feeding of the thousands, still demand "What sign showest Thou?" (<a href="/john/6-30.htm" title="They said therefore to him, What sign show you then, that we may see, and believe you? what do you work?">John 6:30</a>). There are bigots of incredulity. Knowledge is dependent upon action and will (comp. <a href="/john/7-17.htm" title="If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.">John 7:17</a>). There is a mental condition which no evidence can convince, for it can always demand more. "If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (<a href="/luke/16-31.htm" title="And he said to him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.">Luke 16:31</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 18,19. - The Jews therefore answered and said to him. That which the disciples thought at the very time is here recorded by one who affects at least to know their inmost minds and most confidential meditations and talk with one another. John, at least, saw the rising storm of enmity already hurtling, but says nothing. Nevertheless, as if in reply to the imperial prophetic act (which corresponded with John the Baptist's prediction of One who would come axe in hand), the Jews approached with answer (of., for this use of the word "answer," <a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a>; <a href="/acts/3-12.htm">Acts 3:12</a>; <a href="/mark/11-14.htm">Mark 11:14</a>). The "answer" here is in the form of a question, which shows that they had not recognized the sign he had already given, that this temple was his "Father's house," and that he had solemnly claimed the authority of "Son" over the house. What sign showest thou, because (or, seeing that) thou doest these things? (cf. <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38</a>, etc.; <a href="/john/6-30.htm">John 6:30</a>). Thou art bound to give us some "sign" that thou hast a right to deal thus with established customs and to assume the position of a public reformer. Upon what does thine (ἐξουσία) authority rest? Give us some miraculous proof of these high assumptions, "seeing that (quatenus) thou art doing these things," whose consequences are now so conspicuous. It might be supposed that the extraordinary effect just produced upon the crowd of traffickers was sufficient proof of power, if not of authority. The Jews were within their right in asking for these authentications; but their continuous demand for outward signs is one of the conspicuous features of their character (<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-22.htm">1 Corinthians 1:22</a>). In the fundamental nature of a "sign" there is a hint of the true solution of the enigmatical saying which is the first public utterance of our Lord. He gave to the act which he was about to perform the characteristic of a "sign." It would be an outward and visible manifestation of a stupendous spiritual event. This, among other reasons, refutes the modern speculation of Herder, Ewald, Lucke, Renan, and even of Neander, Geikie, and others, that the evangelist was wrong in the explanation of this remarkable saying which he offered in the twenty-first verse. John, who, better than modern commentators can do, ought to have known what the Lord meant, declares that Jesus was speaking of "the temple of his body" when, as the context shows, he was vindicating his right to cleanse the existing temple; and by τὸν ναὸν τοῦτον, "this sanctuary," he was also pointing to and referring in some sense to the temple structure in the midst of which he and the Jews were standing. The commentators have said, "John was wrong, and was led astray by his own fancies. There was no reference to the death or resurrection of Christ. The Lord meant," say they, "as follows: 'Persist in your lawless, irreverent, unbelieving treatment of the temple, and so destroy it. Let it cease by this handling of yours from being a temple, and I will prove my right to cleanse it, and to reform, rebuke, or condemn your immoral practices in it, by building it again, or rather erecting a spiritual temple, a temple without hands, and in three days, i.e. in a short time after you have consummated your impiety, I will complete my restorative work - I will build a new temple and fill it with my glory.'" If John had not appended the twenty-first verse, "Howbeit he spake concerning the temple of his body," the above interpretation would deserve very close attention and perhaps acceptance. But there are sundry difficulties in it, even if the evangelist had not supplied the true key: - e.g. Christ does not say, "I will raise up 'another' temple or a 'spiritual' temple on the ruins of the old;" but "I will raise it up," viz. the temple which I challenge you to "destroy." Though ἐν τρισὶν ἡμέραις, "in three days," is used in this indefinite sense, in Hosea (<a href="/hosea/6-2.htm">Hosea 6:2</a>, LXX.), yet it is the accepted term for the period of three days, which counted from the death to the resurrection of the Lord, and which in the synoptic Gospels (<a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a>) is distinctly foretold to be the great "sign" given to that generation. Moreover, from the Jewish misunderstanding of the words which appear in the synoptic narrative, viz. δια, τρίων ἡμέρων, "during three days," the literal character of the time specified had laid hold, not only of the disciples, but of the multitude. Again, the erection of the spiritual temple would not be an outward and visible sign of the grace and authority of the Lord; but rather the great spiritual reality itself - invisible indeed, and requiring signs to manliest and demonstrate its own occurrence and existence. We conclude, then, that the apostle knew better than his critics, and that we are to believe that, when the Lord said to the Jews, Destroy (λύσατε, dissolve, break up) this temple, "he was speaking of the temple of his body," and at the same time linking and identifying the two temples, relating the one to the other so closely that the destruction of his body became ipso facto the demolition of the temple character of the building where they then stood. The temple of stone and gold, of stately decoration and ceremonial, derived all its true meaning from its being the gorgeous crystallization of a Divine idea embodied in his life. The temple had no value save as a meeting place for God and man, where by sacrifice and worship man might approach the Father, who declared himself to be reconciled, long suffering, and yet just. The Lord has come to the temple, but was himself One holier and "greater than the temple." God is manifested in the glory of that holy life, and man is set forth also in Christ's perfect high-priestly approach to and commerce with the excellent glory. The Lord knows that he is the Lamb, and the only begotten Son of God, and he knows also that his death is part of the awful method in which the vast designs of his righteous love will be secured. He has a baptism to be baptized with, and he is straitened until it be accomplished. He anticipates the end. As he said afterwards to Judas, "That thou doest do quickly;" so at this moment he said, Destroy this temple (of my body), and you will destroy therein the temple character of this historic embodiment of a grand prophetic hope; and I will raise it up, viz. - the temple of my body - in three days (not, I will raise it by quiet, unobserved, spirit processes in the souls of men, but) the very temple which you will bring down shall henceforth be the living and eternal temple of all the glory of God and all the possibilities of man. The great bulk of expositors of many types, who do not repudiate St. John's own words, see thus (with more or less of a double reference in it) the first main significance of the enigma. Whether our Lord pointed to his own Person as he uttered these words cannot be determined. It is said by some - If he had done so, all ambiguity would have been removed, and the misunderstanding which followed would have been impossible! Surely the Jews were not usually ready to receive parabolic truth of this kind so readily, and after their fashion were almost sure to misconceive and falsely to misrepresent it. Even the disciples did not see into its meaning until after the Resurrection (ver. 22). How could they? Verily, then, and not till then, was it seen that the sign of the Prophet Jonas had been given to that generation. <a href="/commentaries/john/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>On account of this, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jews Ἰουδαῖοι (Ioudaioi) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. demanded, Ἀπεκρίθησαν (Apekrithēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_611.htm">Strong's 611: </a> From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak. “What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. sign σημεῖον (sēmeion) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4592.htm">Strong's 4592: </a> Neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of semaino; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally. can You show δεικνύεις (deiknyeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1166.htm">Strong's 1166: </a> A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show. us ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. to prove ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. Your [ authority ] to do ποιεῖς (poieis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. these things?” ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/2-18.htm">John 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/2-18.htm">NT Gospels: John 2:18 The Jews therefore answered him What sign (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>