Matthew 23:37
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 23:37
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Chapter Context
Matthew 23 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, worship. 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 23:37
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Analysis
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee (Ἰερουσαλὴμ Ἰερουσαλήμ, ἡ ἀποκτείνουσα τοὺς προφήτας καὶ λιθοβολοῦσα τοὺς ἀπεσταλμένους πρὸς αὐτήν)—the repeated name expresses intense emotion—grief, not merely anger. Apokteinousa and lithobolousa are present participles: "the one continually killing... continually stoning." Jerusalem's prophet-killing wasn't occasional aberration but characteristic pattern.
How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not (ποσάκις ἠθέλησα ἐπισυναγαγεῖν τὰ τέκνα σου... καὶ οὐκ ἠθελήσατε)—pōsakis (how often) implies repeated divine initiative. The hen metaphor evokes protective covenant love (Ruth 2:12; Psalm 91:4). Jesus's "I would... you would not" contrasts divine willingness with human rebellion. God's sovereign will to save and human responsibility to respond stand in tension. They could not blame God—He offered repeated invitations they repeatedly refused.
Historical Context
Jerusalem's history included: killing Urijah (Jeremiah 26:23), attempting to kill Jeremiah multiple times, stoning Zechariah in the temple court (2 Chronicles 24:21), tradition says sawing Isaiah in two. Jesus Himself had ministered in Jerusalem multiple times (John's Gospel records several visits), offering salvation, performing signs, teaching in the temple. Despite repeated opportunities, the city's leaders hardened in rejection, culminating in crucifixion. Three days after this lament, they would shout "Crucify Him!"
Reflection
- How does Jesus's lament over Jerusalem reveal that divine judgment flows from heartbroken love, not vindictive anger?
- What does the tension between "I would" and "ye would not" teach about the relationship between God's desire to save and human responsibility to respond?
- How often has Christ sought to gather you protectively under His wings, only to have you refuse His invitation—and what will be the consequence if you continue refusing?
Word Studies
- Prophet: προφήτης (Prophētēs) G4396 - Prophet
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Matthew 5:12, Nehemiah 9:26, Jeremiah 35:15
- Parallel theme: Matthew 22:3, Ruth 2:12, Psalms 17:8, 36:7, 63:7, 91:4