And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

MATTHEW 23:30KJV
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Matthew 23:30 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:30 mean?

Matthew 23:30 describes people claiming that, if they had lived in the time of their ancestors, they would not have joined in the killing of the prophets. The verse shows them distancing themselves from the guilt of their forefathers, insisting they would have acted differently.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of his day, specifically the scribes and Pharisees. He is exposing their hypocrisy: while they honor the prophets outwardly, they claim moral superiority over their ancestors who killed those prophets. The statement reveals a self-righteous attitude, as Jesus points out that their actions actually align with those of their forefathers.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:30

  • "συγκοινωνοί" (synkoinōnoi, G2844): This word is translated as "partakers" and means to share or have fellowship with someone in an action. Here, it highlights the idea of being involved or complicit in the deeds of the past, not just a passive observer.
  • "αἷμα" (haima, G129): This is the word for "blood," often symbolizing violence or guilt in the Bible. In this context, it refers specifically to the violent deaths of the prophets, underlining the seriousness of the accusation.

Why Matthew 23:30 matters

  • Matthew 23:30 clears up the misunderstanding that simply condemning past wrongs is enough; Jesus shows that the same attitudes can persist even in those who claim to be different.
  • The verse emphasizes the danger of self-righteousness and the tendency to judge others while ignoring one's own similar faults.
  • This statement connects to the larger passage where Jesus confronts the religious leaders for their hypocrisy, setting up his warning about their coming actions against him and other messengers.

Where else these words appear

“partakers” Greek G2844 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 5:10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
  • Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

“blood” Greek G129 · used in 92 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
  • Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?