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Matthew 23:30

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 23:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Matthew 23:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men`s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
29Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous,
30and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we should not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
31Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets.
32Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?
← Matthew 23:29Matthew 23:31 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And say, if we had been in the days of our fathers, etc.] Their ancestors and predecessors: signifying, that if they had lived in the times they did, or had been in the same post and office with them, they should have opposed, at least not consented to their measures: we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets; would not have joined them in persecuting the prophets, and in shedding their blood, and putting them to death; but would have received them as the prophets of the Lord, have hearkened to their advice and message, and have honoured and obeyed them as such; and this they thought they sufficiently declared, by building and adorning their tombs.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And say ... - This they professed to say by rebuilding their tombs. They also, probably, publicly expressed their disapprobation of the conduct of their fathers. All this, in building and ornamenting tombs, was a profession of extraordinary piety. Our Lord showed them it was mere pretence. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We would not have been partakers - So ye make fair professions, as did your fathers. Matthew 23:31”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the blood: Mat 23:34, Mat 23:35, Mat 21:35, Mat 21:36; Ch2 36:15; Jer 2:30 Matthew 23:31”
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Related study paths

Read Matthew 23 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification