1. Matthieu 4:5 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

Why is Jerusalem called the “the holy city” in Matthew 4:5?

Matthieu 4:5 (NEG79)

5 Le diable le transporta dans la ville sainte, le plaça sur le haut du temple,

En bref

There are two possible reasons for Matthew calling Jerusalem the holy city:

  1. Jerusalem is the location of the temple (see Isaiah 48:2, Isaiah 52:1; Revelation 11:2; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10).

  2.  Jesus’ success in resisting temptation would be part of his mission to restore Jerusalem’s holiness.

Interpretation 1:

Jerusalem is called the holy city because of the presence of the temple there (see Isaiah 48:2, Isaiah 52:1; Revelation 11:2; Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:10).1

Interpretation 2:

Jerusalem is called the holy city in light of the nature of the temptation Jesus is experiencing in the wilderness. What was happening here, through divine intervention, would have a tremendous effect upon the center of national holiness.2