The verse John 2:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?"

This verse is part of a larger passage in the Gospel of John, which tells the story of Jesus cleansing the temple. In this particular verse, the Jews are challenging Jesus' authority and asking for a sign to prove his claim to have the power to rebuild the temple in three days.

The context of this passage is important to understanding its deeper meaning. The temple in question is the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which was a central part of Jewish religious and cultural life. It was seen as the dwelling place of God on earth and was the site of various religious rituals and sacrifices.

By claiming that he could rebuild the temple in three days, Jesus was making a profound statement about his own authority and significance. The Jews, who were the religious leaders and guardians of the temple, were understandably upset by this claim and sought to discredit Jesus.

One theme that is present in this passage is the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of his time. The Jews represent the established religious order, while Jesus comes in as a challenger to that authority. This theme of conflict is a recurring one throughout the Gospels, as Jesus comes into conflict with the religious leaders of his time due to his radical teachings and claims to authority.

Another theme that can be drawn from this passage is the idea of the temple as a symbol of God's presence. The temple was believed to be the place where God dwelled among his people, and its destruction or desecration was seen as a profound tragedy. By claiming that he could rebuild the temple in three days, Jesus was making a bold statement about his own role as the new dwelling place of God. This foreshadows the later Christian belief that Jesus himself is the ultimate temple, the dwelling place of God among humanity.

The symbolism in this verse is also significant. The temple itself is a symbol of God's presence and the central focus of Jewish religious life. By claiming that he could rebuild the temple in three days, Jesus is using the temple as a metaphor for his own body. This foreshadows his death and resurrection, where his body becomes the ultimate dwelling place of God and the source of new life for humanity.

Overall, John 2:20 is a rich and complex verse that contains layers of meaning and symbolism. It offers insight into the nature of Jesus' authority and his role as the ultimate sacrifice and dwelling place of God. It also highlights the conflict between Jesus and the religious authorities of his time, and the radical nature of his teachings and claims. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the depth and complexity of the Gospel narratives and the profound truths they convey.