In Matthew 17:23, the King James Version (KJV) states, "And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry." This verse occurs in the context of Jesus predicting his death and resurrection to his disciples.

The verse begins with the phrase "And they shall kill him," referring to the prophecy of Jesus' impending crucifixion. This prophecy is a reiteration of what Jesus had previously told his disciples in Matthew 16:21. It serves as a reminder of the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial death to fulfill the divine plan of salvation for humanity. The phrase "and the third day he shall be raised again" follows, prophesying Jesus' resurrection. This aspect is crucial in Christian theology as it symbolizes the triumph of life over death and the fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life.

The verse concludes with the statement "And they were exceeding sorry," illustrating the disciples' deep grief upon hearing Jesus's prophecy. This reaction demonstrates the emotional impact of the news of Jesus' impending death, as well as their lack of understanding of the transformative nature of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. They were sorrowful because they did not comprehend the full significance of Jesus' prophecy and the eventual triumph of his resurrection.

The overarching theme of this verse is that of the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ and the disciples' struggle to comprehend it. Jesus foresaw the events that were to come, including his death and resurrection, as part of the divine plan for salvation. The disciples' sorrow reflects their human limitations in understanding the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the redemptive purpose behind it. Despite their sorrow, Jesus remained resolute in fulfilling his purpose, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of his ministry.

The context of this verse is crucial in understanding its significance. It occurs during a time of heightened tension and anticipation as Jesus and his disciples journey towards Jerusalem. Jesus had been preparing his disciples for the imminent events that would unfold, including his betrayal, death, and resurrection. The disciples, however, struggled to comprehend the gravity of Jesus' words, as they were still entrenched in their preconceived notions of a triumphant earthly kingdom, rather than a spiritual, redemptive mission.

The symbolism in this verse is profound and multi-layered. Firstly, it symbolizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah, such as Isaiah 53:5-6 and Psalm 16:10. Additionally, it signifies the divine plan of redemption, in which Jesus willingly offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the sins of humanity, and triumphed over death through his resurrection. The disciples' sorrow symbolizes the human struggle to comprehend the divine plan, and serves as a reflection of the emotional turmoil that often accompanies spiritual growth and understanding.

In conclusion, Matthew 17:23 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Jesus' ministry, providing a profound insight into the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ, the disciples' struggle to comprehend it, and the ultimate triumph of Jesus' resurrection. It captures the essence of the Christian faith, emphasizing the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, as well as the human struggle to fully grasp the transformative power of God's plan for salvation.