New Testament
Matthew 23:37
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 expresses deep sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection of the prophets and messengers sent by God.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem — you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How many times I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you refused!
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!
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus expresses deep sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection of the prophets and messengers sent by God. He uses the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks to illustrate His desire to protect and nurture the people of Jerusalem. Despite His longing to bring them together in safety and love, they have consistently turned away from Him. This highlights the tragic consequences of rejecting divine guidance and the protective love that God offers. Jesus' lament reveals His compassion and the pain He feels when people choose to ignore His call for repentance and relationship. The imagery of a hen signifies warmth, care, and a desire for unity, contrasting sharply with the violent actions of the people who kill and stone those who come to help them. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accepting God's invitation to safety and community.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 23:37 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our openness to God's guidance. Just as Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem's children, He desires to protect and nurture us. We should be mindful of how we respond to divine messages and seek to embrace God's love and direction in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:37 mean?
Matthew 23:37 expresses Jesus' sorrow over Jerusalem's rejection of God's prophets. He uses the metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks to show His desire to protect and nurture the people, highlighting their refusal to accept His love and guidance.
What is the meaning of the metaphor in Matthew 23:37?
The metaphor of a hen gathering her chicks in Matthew 23:37 symbolizes Jesus' longing to protect and care for the people of Jerusalem. It illustrates His compassion and desire for unity, contrasting with their violent rejection of His messengers.
Why does Jesus refer to Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37?
Jesus refers to Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37 to highlight the city's role in rejecting God's prophets. By addressing Jerusalem directly, He emphasizes the collective responsibility of its people for their actions and the consequences of turning away from divine guidance.
What themes are present in Matthew 23:37?
Key themes in Matthew 23:37 include the rejection of prophets, divine compassion, the metaphor of protection, longing for relationship, consequences of disobedience, and a call to repentance. These themes illustrate the emotional depth of Jesus' message and His desire for reconciliation.

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.
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