New Testament
Matthew 21:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
In the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry.
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Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
What Matthew 21:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see Jesus returning to the city in the morning, and He feels hunger. This moment highlights His humanity, showing that He experienced physical needs just like anyone else. The context of this passage is important; it sets the stage for the events that follow, including the cursing of the fig tree. Jesus’ hunger can symbolize a deeper spiritual hunger for faith and righteousness among the people. It also serves as a reminder that Jesus, though divine, lived a life of real human experiences. This verse invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual hunger and the ways they seek fulfillment in their lives. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing our needs and the need for spiritual nourishment, which can only be found in a relationship with God. Overall, this simple statement about Jesus’ hunger carries profound implications about His mission and the nature of His ministry.
How to apply Matthew 21:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge our own physical and spiritual needs. Just as Jesus experienced hunger, we should seek to fulfill our spiritual hunger through prayer, scripture, and community. Recognizing our needs can lead us to deeper faith and reliance on God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 21:18 mean?
Matthew 21:18 describes Jesus feeling hunger as He returns to the city in the morning. This moment highlights His humanity and sets the stage for the events that follow, including the cursing of the fig tree.
What is the significance of Jesus' hunger in Matthew 21:18?
Jesus' hunger in Matthew 21:18 symbolizes His human experience and can represent a deeper spiritual hunger for faith and righteousness among the people.
How does Matthew 21:18 relate to spiritual needs?
Matthew 21:18 invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual hunger, suggesting that just as Jesus felt physical needs, we should seek spiritual fulfillment through a relationship with God.
What themes are present in Matthew 21:18?
Key themes in Matthew 21:18 include the humanity of Jesus, spiritual hunger, the divine mission, physical needs, and the pursuit of faith and righteousness.
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