Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 23:38

"Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." — Matthew 23:38 (ASV)

Your house—The word “desolate” is omitted in some of the best manuscripts. The words “your house” may refer either generally to the whole political and religious system of Israel or more specifically to the “house” in which they gloried, the Temple, which was the joy of their hearts. It had been the house of God, but He, as represented by His Son, was now leaving it forever. It was their house now, not His. We must remember that these words were spoken as our Lord was “departing from the Temple” (Matthew 24:1), never to reappear there.