Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

MATTHEW 23:34KJV
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Matthew 23:34 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:34 mean?

Matthew 23:34 describes Jesus warning that he will send prophets, wise men, and scribes to the people, but many of these messengers will be violently rejected—some will be killed, crucified, beaten in synagogues, and chased from town to town. This verse shows Jesus predicting how his followers and other messengers from God will be treated harshly by those who refuse their message.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, criticizing their history of rejecting God’s messengers. He is not only talking about the past but also about what will happen after his own ministry, as his followers continue to spread his teachings. The verse highlights the seriousness of rejecting those sent by God and sets up the warnings and judgments that follow in the chapter.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:34

  • The word "send" (ἀποστέλλω, apostellō) is used here, which often means to send out with a mission or authority. Jesus is making it clear that these messengers come with his backing, not just on their own.
  • "Prophets" (προφήτας, prophētas), "wise men" (σοφοὺς, sophous), and "scribes" (γραμματεῖς, grammateis) each refer to different kinds of teachers or leaders—some inspired by God, some skilled in wisdom, and some experts in the Scriptures. This shows a range of people God uses, not just one type.
  • The phrase "scourge in your synagogues" (μαστιγώσετε ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς ὑμῶν, mastigōsete en tais synagōgais hymōn) points to public punishment and rejection happening within their own religious spaces, not just in secret or by outsiders.

Why Matthew 23:34 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that rejection of God’s messengers was only a thing of the past; Jesus says it will continue even after him, including among his own followers.
  • It emphasizes the responsibility of religious leaders and communities to listen to those God sends, not just to honor past prophets but to respond rightly in their own time.
  • Matthew 23:34 connects to the larger theme of the chapter, where Jesus confronts hypocrisy and warns of coming judgment for those who persistently oppose God’s work.

Where else these words appear

“scourge” Greek G3146 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
  • Mark 10:34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • John 19:1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him.

“men” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

“crucify” Greek G4717 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 20:19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him: and the third day he shall rise again.
  • Mark 15:24 And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take.
  • John 19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

“persecute” Greek G1377 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
  • Acts 22:8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
  • Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.