Chapter
Verse

Matthew 23:39

ESV For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’"
NIV For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ "
NASB For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE Lord!’?'
CSB For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say,’ Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’!"
NLT For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ '
KJV For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
NKJV for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ”

What does Matthew 23:39 mean?

In this chapter, Jesus has warned of impending judgment on Israel's religious leaders (Matthew 23:1–3) and on her people (Matthew 23:38). Speaking from His perspective as God, and looking into Israel's past, Christ mourned Jerusalem's rejection of Him (Matthew 23:37). Now, through the actions of their religious leaders, they have fully and officially rejected Him as the Messiah. Without His protection, Jerusalem and its temple will be left as vulnerable as an abandoned building, with no One to protect them.

In that context, Jesus says that He will not be there to protect Israel. Further, His public ministry is now complete. The people, in a public sense, will not see Him again until He returns as the conquering King (Revelation 19:11–15). He cites Psalm 118: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD (Psalm 118:26)." When Jesus comes to Israel again, He will not come as a sacrificial Savior (Matthew 16:21), but as the Judge (Hebrews 9:28). At that time, the people of Israel will finally acknowledge His true position as their King.
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