Matthew 23:32
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
then
G2532
καὶ
then
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πληρώσατε
Fill
G4137
πληρώσατε
Fill
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
3 of 8
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μέτρον
the measure
G3358
μέτρον
the measure
Strong's:
G3358
Word #:
5 of 8
a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
God's "measure" of patience with Israel had been filling for centuries through repeated prophetic rejection. Northern Kingdom filled their measure by 722 BC (Assyrian exile). Southern Kingdom by 586 BC (Babylonian exile). Now the reconstituted nation would fill the final measure by crucifying Messiah. Jesus spoke Tuesday of Passion Week—by Friday they would accomplish it. AD 70 would bring the prophesied judgment—temple destruction, Jerusalem's devastation, national dispersion lasting until 1948.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the concept of a "measure" of sin that can be "filled up" challenge presumption on God's patience?
- What sins might you be accumulating toward a "full measure" that will eventually trigger inescapable consequences?
- How does Jesus's prophecy that the Pharisees would complete their fathers' rebellion demonstrate both divine foreknowledge and human responsibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers (πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν)—plērōsate can be imperative ("fill up!") or predictive ("you will fill up"). Both senses apply: Jesus prophetically announces what they will do while their hardened wills make it effectively a command they'll fulfill. Metron (measure) evokes God's appointed limit of sin before judgment falls (Genesis 15:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:16).
Their ancestors murdered prophets; they will murder the Son of God—completing the full measure of covenant-breaking rebellion. Daniel 9:24 prophesied finishing transgression before Messiah's cutting off. The crucifixion would both atone for sin and complete the measure of Israel's rejection, triggering AD 70 judgment. God's patience has limits; there is a "full measure" after which judgment becomes inevitable.