New Testament
Matthew 21:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, who regarded Jesus as a prophet.
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But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
What Matthew 21:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because he challenged their authority and teachings. However, they hesitated because they feared the reaction of the crowds. The people viewed Jesus as a prophet, someone who spoke on behalf of God, and they were supportive of him. This fear of public opinion prevented the leaders from taking action against Jesus at that moment. It highlights the tension between the authority of the religious leaders and the growing influence of Jesus among the people. The leaders' desire to maintain their power and control over the people clashed with the people's admiration for Jesus, illustrating the struggle between established authority and emerging truth.
How to apply Matthew 21:46 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our beliefs, even when faced with opposition. It encourages us to consider how public opinion can influence our actions and decisions. We should seek to follow what is right and true, rather than simply conforming to the expectations of others.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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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 21:46 mean?
Matthew 21:46 describes the religious leaders' desire to arrest Jesus due to his challenge to their authority. However, they refrained from acting because they feared the crowds, who viewed Jesus as a prophet and supported him.
What is the significance of the crowd's opinion in Matthew 21:46?
The crowd's opinion in Matthew 21:46 is significant because it illustrates the power of public perception. The religious leaders were hesitant to arrest Jesus because they feared backlash from the people, highlighting the tension between authority and popular support.
Why did the religious leaders want to arrest Jesus in Matthew 21:46?
The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because he threatened their authority and challenged their teachings. His growing influence among the people made them anxious about losing their control.
How does Matthew 21:46 reflect the conflict between authority and influence?
Matthew 21:46 reflects the conflict between authority and influence by showing how the religious leaders' desire to maintain power was challenged by Jesus' popularity among the crowds, who regarded him as a prophet.
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