Matthew 23:38 - Exposition

Your house. The temple or Jerusalem, no longer God's habitation. This betokens not only Christ's solemn departure from the sacred precincts; but the withdrawal of God's Spirit from the Jewish Church and nation. Unto you. Henceforward ye shall have it all to yourselves; my Father and I forsake it; we give it up altogether to you. Desolate . The word is omitted by some few uncials, but retained by א , C, D, etc., most cursives, the Vulgate, etc. The protecting wing is withdrawn, the Divine presence removed, and the house is indeed deserted ( ἐ ì ρημος ); (comp. Psalms 59:1-17 :25; Jeremiah 12:7 ).