The meaning of the expression “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” in Matthew 12:39, 40: an exegetical analysis

Abstract

The text of Matthew 12:39, 40 contains the expression “three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” that has proved to be one of the most difficult idioms to interpret. It has also drawn various hermeneutical divergences among scholars leading to the rise of five major disputed positions. The efforts that have been made by scholars to get the right interpretation ended up creating new views. These divergences have prompted a careful search of these texts. The exegetical study of the expression “three days and three nights at the heart of the earth” in Matthew 12:39, 40 aims at scrutinizing its use in the ancient secular, cultural, and religious contexts from which it emanated. It is also pertinent to have a consideration of the Old and New Testaments usage of this expression taking into account that it has been used only twice in the Old Testament and once in the New Testament, hence the current interest in its study is geared towards getting its right interpretation as understood in those times. This study reveals that the phrase pointed to Christ’s prophecy about Himself being crucified and being raised up after “three days and three nights from the heart of the earth” which is from His tomb located in Jerusalem. The idiom points to the inclusive reckoning as used in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 30:12 and Esther 4:16; 5:1, in the New Testament in Mark 15:42 and 16:1, 2, and as supported by St. Ignatius (35-110 CE). Thus, the conclusion of this study favored the inclusive reckoning contrasted to other positions presented in this study.