Matthew 23:35
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Matthew 23:35
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Chapter Context
Matthew 23 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, sacrifice, holiness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 23:35
35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Analysis
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth (ὅπως ἔλθῃ ἐφ' ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον)—hopōs indicates purpose or result. This generation's sin would bring accumulated judgment for all prophetic martyrdoms. From... Abel unto... Zacharias spans biblical history from Genesis 4:8 to 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (last book in Hebrew Bible order). "Abel to Zechariah" equals our "Genesis to Revelation"—the entirety of redemptive history's martyrs.
Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar—this Zechariah said, "Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD?" before being stoned in the temple court (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Jesus says "ye slew" (past tense)—treating that generation as corporately guilty with the current one. The crucifixion would be the culminating murder, triggering judgment for all accumulated prophetic blood.
Historical Context
AD 70 brought Jesus's prophecy to fulfillment: Roman armies under Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. Josephus records over 1 million Jews died, temple treasures plundered, survivors enslaved. This judgment fell on "this generation" (v. 36)—those alive when Jesus spoke. The generation that witnessed Jesus's ministry, rejected His Messiahship, crucified Him, and persecuted His apostles experienced the accumulated judgment for Israel's entire history of prophetic rejection.
Reflection
- How does God's patience in delaying judgment sometimes result in accumulated wrath falling on a culminating generation?
- What does the span from Abel to Zechariah teach about God's comprehensive justice—no righteous blood is forgotten?
- How should awareness that corporate judgment can fall on a generation affect our response to prophetic warning today?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Hebrews 11:4
- Blood: 2 Kings 21:16, 24:4, Isaiah 26:21, Jeremiah 26:15, Hebrews 12:24, Revelation 18:24
- Parallel theme: Genesis 4:8, Jeremiah 26:23, Zechariah 1:1