Matthew 12:40 Meaning and Explanation
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Just as Jonah was three days in the fish, the Son of man will be three days in the heart of the earth.
What Does Matthew 12:40 Mean?
Jesus explains the sign of Jonah. As Jonah lay three days and nights in the belly of the great fish and was then delivered, so the Son of man will be three days and nights in the heart of the earth, in the grave, and will rise. The ancient story becomes a prophecy of his death and resurrection.
This is the heart of the gospel foretold. Christ would go down into death and be brought up again in victory. Jonah's deliverance from the depths pointed forward to a far greater rescue, accomplished not for one prophet but for the whole world. The resurrection is the sign above all signs, the proof that Jesus is who he claims to be and that death has been conquered for all who trust him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 12:40
What does Matthew 12:40 mean?
Just as Jonah was three days in the fish, the Son of man will be three days in the heart of the earth.