New Testament
Matthew 23:35
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As a result, you will be held responsible for all the righteous blood ever shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.
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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.
What Matthew 23:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time, warning them that they will be held accountable for all the unjust killings of the righteous throughout history. He references Abel, the first martyr in the Bible, and Zacharias, a lesser-known figure, to illustrate the long-standing pattern of violence against God's messengers. By mentioning these two figures, Jesus emphasizes that the guilt of these murders extends to the leaders of His day, who continue to reject and persecute the prophets and righteous individuals sent by God. This statement serves as a serious indictment against the hypocrisy and moral failure of the religious authorities, highlighting their responsibility for the bloodshed that has occurred due to their actions and attitudes. It underscores the seriousness of rejecting God's truth and the consequences that come with it, as they are not only responsible for their own actions but also for the legacy of violence against the faithful.
How to apply Matthew 23:35 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing up for righteousness and truth, even when it is unpopular. We should be aware of the consequences of our actions and attitudes towards those who speak God's truth. It encourages us to reflect on our own accountability in promoting justice and supporting the oppressed.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Matthew 23:35
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:35 mean?
Matthew 23:35 means that Jesus is warning the religious leaders that they will be held accountable for all the unjust killings of righteous people throughout history, from Abel to Zacharias. It highlights their role in a long history of violence against God's messengers.
Who are the figures mentioned in Matthew 23:35?
The figures mentioned are Abel, the first martyr in the Bible, and Zacharias, son of Barachias, who was killed between the temple and the altar. Their mention illustrates the ongoing pattern of violence against the righteous.
What is the significance of the blood mentioned in Matthew 23:35?
The blood mentioned signifies the unjust killings of righteous individuals, representing the consequences of rejecting God's truth. It serves as a reminder of the accountability that comes with such actions.
What themes are present in Matthew 23:35?
Key themes in Matthew 23:35 include accountability for wrongdoing, the violence against prophets, hypocrisy among religious leaders, and the serious consequences of rejecting God's messengers.
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