Herod's Temple 46 Years in Building

High Level 2

Fact

The temple was 46 years in building at the first Passover of Jesus' ministry (30 AD)

Evidence

• John 2:20 - 'This temple has been under construction for forty-six years'

• Herod began temple renovation ~18/17 BC (his 18th year)

• 46 years from 17 BC = 29/30 AD

• This places first Passover in 30 AD

• Third Passover (crucifixion) = 32 AD

• This eliminates 30 AD and 33 AD as crucifixion years

Supporting Facts

Herod's Death Very High

Read in Context

• The Temple Timeline

  "The 46th year of building the temple was spring 29 AD to spring 30 AD..."

Depends On

Herod's Death Very High

The 46 years statement in John 2:20 provides a crucial chronological marker. It eliminates the popular 30 AD crucifixion theory because the temple conversation happened at the first Passover, not the last.