Definition: And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest [it] in three days,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark. It’s a really important and complex verse from the Bible, and it’s often misunderstood. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes the final moments of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. After he was nailed to the cross, a group of Jewish bystanders – likely some of his followers – were furious. They shouted at him and said things like, “You destroy the temple!” and “You build it in three days!” Let’s unpack the meaning: “They that passed by…” : This refers to a crowd of people who were walking past Jesus’s cross. It wasn't just anyone; it was a specific group. “…wagging their heads, and saying…” : They weren't cheering or applauding. They were agitated , angry , and disappointed . Their heads were moving around as they spoke these harsh words. “Ah, thou that destroyest the temple…” : This is a very dramatic phrase. “Temple” in this context refers to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, which was a place of worship for God and where the Jewish people had performed sacred rituals. So, the bystanders were saying he was destroying their place of worship. “…and buildest [it] in three days?” : This is the key part that’s confusing. The word “build” here means to create or construct something. So, they weren't just making a cross; they were saying he was building it fast , within just three days – a remarkably short timeframe. What does this all mean? This verse is significant because: It highlights the intensity of their anger: They weren’t simply annoyed by Jesus's death. They were deeply upset about his actions and what they saw as an injustice. It shows the power of religious zealotry: The bystanders’ reaction reveals a tension between faith and expectation. They were expecting a righteous, long-lasting temple, but instead, they witnessed a seemingly quick and brutal act. It points to the events leading up to Jesus's crucifixion: The phrase “three days” is often interpreted as a significant timeframe – perhaps signifying that he was being crucified on a special day of significance for them. Important Note: The exact context and interpretation of this verse have been debated throughout history. It’s a complex passage with layers of meaning. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss different interpretations of this verse?