Luke 11:50
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;
Original Language Analysis
ἐκζητηθῇ
may be required
G1567
ἐκζητηθῇ
may be required
Strong's:
G1567
Word #:
2 of 16
to search out, i.e., (figuratively)investigate, crave, demand, (by hebraism) worship
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αἷμα
the blood
G129
αἷμα
the blood
Strong's:
G129
Word #:
4 of 16
blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of christ); by implication, bloodshed, also k
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προφητῶν
the prophets
G4396
προφητῶν
the prophets
Strong's:
G4396
Word #:
7 of 16
a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
10 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
καταβολῆς
the foundation
G2602
καταβολῆς
the foundation
Strong's:
G2602
Word #:
11 of 16
a deposition, i.e., founding; figuratively, conception
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
12 of 16
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
13 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
which
G3588
τῆς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jesus spoke this in approximately AD 30; Jerusalem fell in AD 70. The generation that heard Jesus preach witnessed catastrophic judgment—temple destruction, mass crucifixions, enslavement. Josephus's account of the siege confirms horrific fulfillment. The lawyers' unbelief culminated in national disaster, validating Jesus's prophetic warning.
Questions for Reflection
- How does accumulated covenant unfaithfulness affect corporate judgment—can nations store up wrath across generations?
- What does this teach about historical responsibility—how does this generation's response to Christ affect coming generations?
- How should awareness of impending judgment affect the urgency of gospel proclamation in your context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation (ἵνα ἐκζητηθῇ τὸ αἷμα πάντων τῶν προφητῶν τὸ ἐκκεχυμένον ἀπὸ καταβολῆς κόσμου ἀπὸ τῆς γενεᾶς ταύτης)—Jesus pronounces climactic judgment: ekzēteō (required, demanded) suggests judicial reckoning. The blood of 'all the prophets' shed apo katabolēs kosmou (from the foundation of the world) will be charged to tēs geneas tautēs (this generation). This generation's guilt encompasses all accumulated prophetic martyrdom.
This shocking verdict operates on covenant continuity—Jesus's generation represents Israel's final opportunity before destruction. Their rejection of Messiah completes Israel's pattern of prophetic rejection, bringing accumulated judgment. Matthew 23:36 parallels: 'All these things shall come upon this generation.' AD 70's temple destruction fulfilled this prophecy—the generation that rejected Christ witnessed Jerusalem's fall.