Matthew 21:46 Meaning and Explanation
“But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders want to arrest Jesus but hold back out of fear of the crowd, who regarded Him as a prophet.
What Does Matthew 21:46 Mean?
Though they wish to seize Jesus, the leaders are restrained by fear of the crowd, who regarded Him as a prophet. Their desire to silence Him is held in check only by their dread of the people's reaction. The chapter closes with their hostility simmering beneath the surface.
Their restraint is not repentance but mere calculation; they fear people more than they fear God. Meanwhile the multitude, with simpler hearts, rightly honor Jesus as a prophet. The contrast is stark and searching. Even the opposition of the powerful cannot move God's purposes before their time. The Lord remains sovereign over every plot, and His work goes forward according to the Father's will.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 21:46
What does Matthew 21:46 mean?
The leaders want to arrest Jesus but hold back out of fear of the crowd, who regarded Him as a prophet.