Matthew 23:31-35 Jesus Denounces the Religious Leaders

31 So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!

33 “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

34 Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.

35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Read the full chapter Matthew 23

Meaning of Matthew 23:31-35

Matthew 23:31 confronts us with the weight of history and accountability, as Jesus highlights the continuity of human sinfulness. By acknowledging their descendant lineage, the people inadvertently confess their complicity. This verse urges introspection on our own actions and calls us to break cycles of wrongdoing.

Cross References for Matthew 23:31-35

Luke 19:22 - “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you... Click to read the verse Luke 19:22 Click to read the verse Luke 19:22

Numbers 12:6 - he said, “Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him ... Click to read the verse Numbers 12:6 Click to read the verse Numbers 12:6

Joshua 24:22 - Then Joshua said, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the Lord.... Click to read the verse Joshua 24:22 Click to read the verse Joshua 24:22

Acts 7:51-52 - “You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: Y... Click to read the verse Acts 7:51-52 Click to read the verse Acts 7:51-52

Luke 11:48 - So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you... Click to read the verse Luke 11:48 Click to read the verse Luke 11:48

1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 - who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are ho... Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16 Click to read the verse 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16

Psalms 64:8 - He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake... Click to read the verse Psalms 64:8 Click to read the verse Psalms 64:8

Job 15:5-6 - Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Click to read the verse Job 15:5-6 Click to read the verse Job 15:5-6

Lamentations 4:13 - But it happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who shed... Click to read the verse Lamentations 4:13 Click to read the verse Lamentations 4:13

Hosea 5:5 - Israel’s arrogance testifies against them; the Israelites, even Ephraim, stumble in their sin; ... Click to read the verse Hosea 5:5 Click to read the verse Hosea 5:5