Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

MATTHEW 23:31KJV
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Matthew 23:31 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:31 mean?

Matthew 23:31 says that the people Jesus is speaking to are admitting, by their own words and actions, that they are descendants of those who killed God’s prophets in the past. Jesus points out that they are witnesses against themselves, linking them to the same guilt as their ancestors.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, challenging them during a confrontation about their hypocrisy. By saying they are “witnesses unto yourselves,” Jesus highlights that their attitudes and behavior show they share the same mindset as those who rejected and killed the prophets before them. This sets the stage for his warnings about repeating the mistakes of their ancestors.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:31

  • μαρτυρεῖτε (martyreite, “witnesses”): This word means to testify or bear witness. Here, it emphasizes that the religious leaders are not just being accused by Jesus, but are actually confirming their own connection to those who killed the prophets.
  • υἱοί (huioi, “children”): In Greek, this word often means more than biological descent; it can also mean someone who shares the character or actions of another. Jesus is saying they are like their ancestors not just by blood, but by their choices.
  • ἀπέκτειναν (apekteinan, “killed”): This verb is strong, meaning to kill outright. Jesus is not softening what their ancestors did—he is making clear the seriousness of their actions against God’s messengers.

Why Matthew 23:31 matters

  • Matthew 23:31 clarifies that Jesus is not only criticizing the religious leaders for their current actions but also for continuing a long pattern of rejecting God’s messengers.
  • The verse connects the leaders’ attitudes to the violent history of Israel’s treatment of prophets, showing that spiritual heritage is shaped by actions, not just ancestry.
  • This statement prepares the reader for the warnings and judgments Jesus delivers in the following verses, making it clear that responsibility for rejecting God’s message is ongoing, not just a thing of the past.

Where else these words appear

“killed” Greek G5407 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

“witnesses” Greek G3140 · used in 75 verses

  • Luke 4:22 And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph's son?
  • John 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
  • Galatians 4:15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

“Wherefore” Greek G5620 · used in 83 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 5:7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
  • 1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

“are” Greek G2075 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • John 13:10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.