architectural new-testament

Herod Begins Massive Temple Expansion

20 BCE

In the eighteenth year of his reign (20 BCE), Herod the Great announced plans to rebuild the Second Temple on a grand scale—transforming the modest structure completed in 516 BCE into one of the ancient world’s architectural marvels. Though officially a “renovation,” the project essentially demolished and rebuilt the entire temple complex.

Herod’s motivations:

  • Curry favor with Jews: As an Idumean (Edomite) convert ruling by Roman appointment, Herod lacked legitimacy in Jewish eyes. A magnificent temple might win their loyalty.
  • Demonstrate power: The project showcased his wealth and ambition, rivaling Solomon’s legendary temple.
  • Leave a legacy: Herod wanted to be remembered as a great builder (he also constructed Caesarea Maritima, Masada, and other monumental projects).

Jewish concerns:

The Jews feared Herod would tear down the existing temple but never rebuild it, leaving them without a place of worship. To reassure them, Herod:

  • Gathered all materials before demolishing anything
  • Trained 1,000 priests as masons and carpenters to work on the sacred inner areas
  • Began construction during good weather
  • Rebuilt sections incrementally so worship could continue

The scale:

The project was enormous:

Temple Mount platform: Doubled in size to about 34 acres by building massive retaining walls and filling in the Kidron Valley with rubble. The Western Wall (Kotel), where Jews pray today, is part of these retaining walls.

The temple building itself: Rebuilt in white marble overlaid with gold, making it dazzling in sunlight. The Talmud says, “He who has not seen Herod’s Temple has never seen a beautiful building.”

Courts expanded:

  • Court of the Gentiles (outermost—non-Jews could enter)
  • Court of Women (Jewish women could enter)
  • Court of Israel (Jewish men could enter)
  • Court of Priests (for sacrificial service)

Gates and colonnades: Massive gates with elaborate stonework, colonnades with hundreds of columns

The main structure: Completed in about 10 years (by 10 BCE), but finishing work on the complex continued for decades—until 64 CE, just six years before the temple’s destruction.

During Jesus’s ministry:

When Jesus cleansed the temple early in his ministry (circa 27 CE), the Jews challenged him: “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

Jesus answered: “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

They replied: “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” (John 2:20)

The “forty-six years” confirms ongoing construction from 20 BCE to about 27 CE. John notes that Jesus “was speaking of the temple of his body”—foreshadowing his resurrection.

Tragic irony:

The temple was finally completed in 64 CE—just six years before Roman legions would destroy it in 70 CE. Herod’s magnificent structure, intended to last millennia, stood complete for less than a decade. Jesus had prophesied: “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2).

This temple—Herod’s Temple, the Second Temple expanded—was the temple Jesus knew, where he taught, cleansed the courts, and debated with religious leaders. Its destruction would mark the end of the sacrificial system and transform Judaism forever.