New Testament
Matthew 23:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders and the people of His time, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the consequences that will follow.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
I tell you the truth: all of this will fall on this generation.
Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders and the people of His time, emphasizing the seriousness of their actions and the consequences that will follow. He asserts that the judgment and repercussions of their rejection of Him and their failure to heed the warnings of the prophets will come upon their generation. This statement serves as a warning about the gravity of their choices and the impending consequences of their disbelief. Jesus is highlighting that the culmination of all the prophecies and warnings will manifest in their lifetime, indicating a sense of urgency and accountability. The phrase 'this generation' suggests that the people present will experience the fallout of their decisions, reinforcing the idea that they cannot escape the results of their actions. This moment is pivotal as it underscores the importance of recognizing and responding to divine truth before it is too late.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 23:36 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of heeding warnings and recognizing the consequences of our actions. We should reflect on our choices and their impact on our lives and the lives of others. Embracing truth and acting on it can lead to positive outcomes.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:36 mean?
Matthew 23:36 means that Jesus is warning the religious leaders and people of His time that the consequences of their actions and rejection of Him will directly affect their generation. He emphasizes the seriousness of their choices and the urgency of recognizing the truth.
What is the significance of 'this generation' in Matthew 23:36?
The phrase 'this generation' in Matthew 23:36 indicates that the people present during Jesus' time will experience the repercussions of their decisions. It highlights their accountability for rejecting the warnings of the prophets and the seriousness of their actions.
What are the consequences mentioned in Matthew 23:36?
The consequences mentioned in Matthew 23:36 refer to the judgment and repercussions that will arise from the people's rejection of Jesus and the warnings given by the prophets. It underscores the idea that their choices will lead to serious outcomes during their lifetime.
How does Matthew 23:36 relate to accountability?
Matthew 23:36 relates to accountability by highlighting that the people of Jesus' time are responsible for their actions and decisions. It serves as a reminder that they cannot escape the consequences of their disbelief and rejection of divine truth.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.