New Testament
Matthew 24:2
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Jesus replied, "You see all of this, don't you? I tell you the truth — not one stone here will be left standing on another. Every one of them will be torn down."
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And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
What Matthew 24:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the future destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. He emphasizes the certainty of this event by stating that not a single stone will remain standing. This prophecy highlights the temporary nature of physical structures and the impending judgment that will come upon Jerusalem due to its rejection of Him. The disciples are being warned to understand the significance of what they see around them, as the grandeur of the Temple will soon be reduced to ruins. This statement serves as a reminder of the fragility of human achievements and the importance of focusing on spiritual truths rather than material possessions. Jesus' words also foreshadow the greater spiritual upheaval that will follow, urging His followers to remain vigilant and prepared for the changes to come.
How to apply Matthew 24:2 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on what we value in life. While physical structures and achievements may seem significant, they are temporary. We should prioritize our spiritual growth and relationship with God, recognizing that true stability comes from Him, not from material things.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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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 24:2 mean?
Matthew 24:2 records Jesus predicting the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, stating that not one stone will remain standing. This emphasizes the certainty of the event and serves as a warning about the temporary nature of physical structures.
What is the significance of the Temple's destruction in Matthew 24:2?
The destruction of the Temple signifies impending judgment on Jerusalem for rejecting Jesus. It highlights the fragility of human achievements and the importance of focusing on spiritual truths.
What does Jesus mean by 'not one stone will be left standing'?
Jesus' statement means that the Temple will be completely destroyed, with no stones remaining in place. This serves as a powerful prophecy about the fate of Jerusalem.
How does Matthew 24:2 relate to spiritual awareness?
This verse encourages believers to recognize the impermanence of material things and to prioritize their spiritual growth and relationship with God over physical structures.
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