The Meaning of Matthew 23:35 Explained

Matthew 23:35

KJV: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

YLT: that on you may come all the righteous blood being poured out on the earth from the blood of Abel the righteous, unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar:

Darby: so that all righteous blood shed upon the earth should come upon you, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

ASV: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

That  upon  you  may come  all  the righteous  blood  shed  upon  the earth,  from  the blood  of righteous  Abel  unto  the blood  of Zacharias  son  of Barachias,  whom  ye slew  between  the temple  and  the altar. 

What does Matthew 23:35 Mean?

Study Notes

Abel
Jesus' confirmation of Genesis 4:8-10 . Cf. Hebrews 12:24 .

Verse Meaning

Jesus was not saying that the Jews who rejected Him were responsible for the deaths of all the righteous martyrs throughout biblical history. They simply were the ones who would add the last measure of guilt that would result in the outpouring of God"s wrath for all those murders.
"In the case of the Jews, the limit of misbehavior had been almost reached, and with the murder of the Messiah and His Apostles would be transgressed." [1]
Abel was the first righteous person murdered that Scripture records ( Genesis 4:8). We do not know exactly when Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, died, but he began prophesying as a young man in520 B.C. and delivered some prophecies in518 B.C. He may have been the last martyr in Old Testament history. [2] However according to Jewish tradition this Zechariah died peacefully at an advanced age. [3]
Many students of this problem believe that the Zechariah to whom Jesus referred was the priest whom the Jews stoned in the temple courtyard ( 2 Chronicles 24:20-22). That man died hundreds of years earlier than Zechariah the prophet. Jesus seems to have been summarizing all the righteous people the Jews had slain throughout Old Testament history. Zechariah the son of Jehoiada was the last martyr in the last book of the Hebrew Bible, so Jesus may have been saying the equivalent of "all the martyrs from Genesis to Revelation." Nevertheless that Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, not Berechiah, and Jesus mentioned Berechiah as the father of the Zechariah He meant (cf. 2 Chronicles 24:22). Berechiah may have been the actual father of this martyr, and the writer of2Chronicles may have designated him as the son of his famous grandfather, Jehoiada. The fact that Abel"s name begins with the letter A and Zechariah"s name with the letter Z is simply coincidence. Z is not the last letter in either the Hebrew or the Greek alphabet.

Context Summary

Matthew 23:27-39 - Judgment And Lament
True goodness recognizes and rewards good in the living; while the evil-minded cannot, or will not, believe that the people whom they meet daily are purely and sincerely good. They pride themselves on what they would have done if they had lived in the great days of the past, but they miss the opportunities which are always ready to hand. In this they judge and condemn themselves.
How sad is this lament over Jerusalem! The yearning love which longed to intercept her descending judgment, as the hen the stroke of danger which menaces her brood, was about to be withdrawn. After striving His best to save them, the world's Redeemer was abandoning His people to the results of their sin, until the time spoken of in Zechariah 14:1-4. Oh my soul, see that thou art hidden under those wings, until all calamities are overpast and the day has broken! [source]

Chapter Summary: Matthew 23

1  Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples
5  His disciples must beware of their ambition
13  He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,
34  and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem

Greek Commentary for Matthew 23:35

Zachariah son of Barachiah [αχαριου υιου αραχιου]
Broadus gives well the various alternatives in understanding and explaining the presence of “son of Barachiah” here which is not in Luke 11:51. The usual explanation is that the reference is to Zachariah the son of Jehoiada the priest who was slain in the court of the temple (2 Chronicles 24:20.). How the words, “son of Barachiah,” got into Matthew we do not know. A half-dozen possibilities can be suggested. In the case of Abel a reckoning for the shedding of his blood was foretold (Genesis 4:10) and the same thing was true of the slaying of Zachariah (2 Chronicles 24:22). [source]
Temple [ναοῦ]
Rev., rightly, sanctuary. See on Matthew 4:5. Zechariah was slain between the temple proper and the altar of burnt-offering, in the priests' court. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 23:35

Mark 7:13 Ye handed down []
Note the past tense, identifying them for the moment with their forefathers. Compare Matthew 23:35, Ye slew. Christ views the Jewish persecutors and bigots, ancient and modern, as a whole, actuated by one spirit, and ascribes to one section what was done by another. [source]
Luke 11:51 The altar and the temple []
O ἴκου , temple, lit., house, is equivalent to ναοῦ , sanctuary (Rev.), in Matthew 23:35. The altar is the altar of burnt-offering. See on Matthew 4:5; and compare 2 Chronicles 24:18-21. [source]
Luke 11:51 From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah [απο αιματος Αβελ εως αιματος αχαριου]
The blood of Abel is the first shed in the Old Testament (Genesis 4:10), that of Zacharias the last in the O.T. canon which ended with Chronicles (2 Chronicles 24:22). Chronologically the murder of Uriah by Jehoiakim was later (Jeremiah 26:23), but this climax is from Genesis to II Chronicles (the last book in the canon). See note on Matthew 23:35 for discussion of Zachariah as “the son of Barachiah” rather than “the son of Jehoiada.” [source]
Luke 11:51 Between the altar and the sanctuary [metaxu tou thusiastēriou kai tou oikou)]
Literally, between the altar and the house (Matthew 23:35 has temple, naou). [source]
Acts 18:6 He shook out his raiment [εκτιναχαμενος τα ιματια]
First aorist middle of εκτινασσω — ektinassō old verb, in the N.T. only here as in Acts 13:51 (middle) and Mark 6:11; Matthew 10:15 where active voice occurs of shaking out dust also. Vivid and dramatic picture here like that in Nehemiah 5:13, “undoubtedly a very exasperating gesture” (Ramsay), but Paul was deeply stirred. Your blood be upon your own heads (Το αιμα υμων επι την κεπαλην υμων — To haima humōn epi tēn kephalēn humōn). As in Ezekiel 3:18., Ezekiel 33:4, Ezekiel 33:8.; 2 Samuel 1:16. Not as a curse, but “a solemn disclaimer of responsibility” by Paul (Page) as in Acts 20:26. The Jews used this very phrase in assuming responsibility for the blood of Jesus (Matthew 27:25). Cf. Matthew 23:35. I am clean Pure from your blood. Repeats the claim made in previous sentence. Paul had done his duty. From henceforth (απο του νυν — apo tou nun). Turning point reached in Corinth. He will devote himself to the Gentiles, though Jews will be converted there also. Elsewhere as in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-10) and in Rome (Acts 28:23-28) Paul will preach also to Jews. [source]
Acts 18:6 Your blood be upon your own heads [Το αιμα υμων επι την κεπαλην υμων]
As in Ezekiel 3:18., Ezekiel 33:4, Ezekiel 33:8.; 2 Samuel 1:16. Not as a curse, but “a solemn disclaimer of responsibility” by Paul (Page) as in Acts 20:26. The Jews used this very phrase in assuming responsibility for the blood of Jesus (Matthew 27:25). Cf. Matthew 23:35. [source]
Acts 22:20 Was shed [εχεχυννετο]
Imperfect passive of εκχυννω — ekchunnō (see note on Matthew 23:35), was being shed. [source]
1 Corinthians 7:5 Incontinency [ἀκρασίαν]
Only here and Matthew 23:35, on which see note. [source]
Hebrews 11:4 Righteous [δίκαιος]
Abel is called righteous by Christ himself. Matthew 23:35. Comp. 1 John 3:12. See on Romans 1:17. [source]
Hebrews 10:34 Ye had compassion on [συνεπατησατε]
First aorist active indicative of συνπατεω — sunpatheō old verb to have a feeling with, to sympathize with. Them that were in bonds Associative instrumental case, “with the prisoners” (the bound ones). Used of Paul (Ephesians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:8). Took joyfully First aorist middle (indirect) indicative, “ye received to yourselves with joy.” See Romans 13:1, Romans 13:3; Romans 15:7. The spoiling “The seizing,” “the plundering.” Old word from αρπαζω — harpazō See Matthew 23:35. Of your possessions “Of your belongings.” Genitive of the articular present active neuter plural participle of υπαρχω — huparchō used as a substantive (cf. υμων — humōn genitive) as in Matthew 19:21. That ye yourselves have Infinitive (present active of εχω — echō) in indirect discourse after γινωσκοντες — ginōskontes (knowing) with the accusative of general reference The predicate nominative αυτοι — autoi could have been used agreeing with γινωσκοντες — ginōskontes (cf. Romans 1:22). A better possession Common word in the same sense as τα υπαρχοντα — ta huparchonta above, in N.T. only here and Acts 2:45. In place of their plundered property they have treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). Abiding Present active participle of μενω — menō No oppressors (legal or illegal) can rob them of this (Matthew 6:19.). [source]
Revelation 18:24 Was found [ευρετη]
First aorist passive indicative of ευρισκω — heuriskō See Revelation 16:6; Revelation 17:6 for the blood already shed by Rome. Rome “butchered to make a Roman holiday” (Dill, Roman Society, p. 242) not merely gladiators, but prophets and saints from Nero‘s massacre a.d. 64 to Domitian and beyond.Of all that have been slain (παντων των εσπαγμενων — pantōn tōn esphagmenōn). Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of σπαζω — sphazō the verb used of the Lamb slain (Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8). Cf. Matthew 23:35 about Jerusalem. [source]
Revelation 18:24 Of all that have been slain [παντων των εσπαγμενων]
Perfect passive articular participle genitive plural of σπαζω — sphazō the verb used of the Lamb slain (Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12; Revelation 13:8). Cf. Matthew 23:35 about Jerusalem. [source]
Revelation 12:4 Draweth [συρει]
Present active indicative of συρω — surō old verb, to drag, here alone in the Apocalypse, but see John 21:8.The third part of the stars (το τριτον των αστερων — to triton tōn asterōn). Like a great comet is this monster. See Daniel 8:10. Perhaps only the third is meant to soften the picture as in Revelation 8:7.Did cast them Second aorist active indicative. Charles takes this to refer to a war in heaven between the good angels and Satan, with the fall of some angels (Judges 1:6). But John may have in mind the martyrs before Christ (Hebrews 11:32.) and after Christ‘s ascension (Matthew 23:35).Stood (εστηκεν — estēken). Imperfect active of a late verb, στηκω — stēkō from the perfect εστηκα — hestēka of ιστημι — histēmi graphic picture of the dragon‘s challenge of the woman who is about to give birth.When she was delivered Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the second aorist active subjunctive of τικτω — tiktō “whenever she gives birth.”That he might devour (ινα καταπαγηι — hina kataphagēi). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of κατεστιω — katesthiō to eat up (down). This is what Pharaoh did to Israel (Exodus 1:15-22; Psalm 85:13; Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 51:9; Ezekiel 29:3). Precisely so the devil tried to destroy the child Jesus on his birth. [source]
Revelation 12:4 Did cast them [εβαλεν αυτους]
Second aorist active indicative. Charles takes this to refer to a war in heaven between the good angels and Satan, with the fall of some angels (Judges 1:6). But John may have in mind the martyrs before Christ (Hebrews 11:32.) and after Christ‘s ascension (Matthew 23:35).Stood (εστηκεν — estēken). Imperfect active of a late verb, στηκω — stēkō from the perfect εστηκα — hestēka of ιστημι — histēmi graphic picture of the dragon‘s challenge of the woman who is about to give birth.When she was delivered Indefinite temporal clause with οταν — hotan and the second aorist active subjunctive of τικτω — tiktō “whenever she gives birth.”That he might devour (ινα καταπαγηι — hina kataphagēi). Purpose clause with ινα — hina and the second aorist active subjunctive of κατεστιω — katesthiō to eat up (down). This is what Pharaoh did to Israel (Exodus 1:15-22; Psalm 85:13; Isaiah 27:1; Isaiah 51:9; Ezekiel 29:3). Precisely so the devil tried to destroy the child Jesus on his birth. [source]

What do the individual words in Matthew 23:35 mean?

so that shall come upon you all [the] blood righteous being poured out upon the earth from the blood of Abel the righteous to of Zechariah son of Berekiah whom you murdered between temple and altar
ὅπως ἔλθῃ ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς πᾶν αἷμα δίκαιον ἐκχυννόμενον ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἀπὸ τοῦ αἵματος Ἅβελ τοῦ δικαίου ἕως Ζαχαρίου υἱοῦ Βαραχίου ὃν ἐφονεύσατε μεταξὺ ναοῦ καὶ θυσιαστηρίου

ὅπως  so  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅπως  
Sense: how, that.
ἔλθῃ  shall  come 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Subjunctive Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἔρχομαι  
Sense: to come.
ἐφ’  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
πᾶν  all  [the] 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
αἷμα  blood 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: αἷμα  
Sense: blood.
δίκαιον  righteous 
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: δίκαιος  
Sense: righteous, observing divine laws.
ἐκχυννόμενον  being  poured  out 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: ἐκχέω 
Sense: to pour out, shed forth.
ἐπὶ  upon 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐπί  
Sense: upon, on, at, by, before.
γῆς  earth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: γῆ  
Sense: arable land.
αἵματος  blood 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: αἷμα  
Sense: blood.
Ἅβελ  of  Abel 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἅβελ  
Sense: the second son of Adam, murdered by his brother Cain.
δικαίου  righteous 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: δίκαιος  
Sense: righteous, observing divine laws.
Ζαχαρίου  of  Zechariah 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ζαχαρίας  
Sense: the father of John the Baptist.
υἱοῦ  son 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: υἱός  
Sense: a son.
Βαραχίου  of  Berekiah 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Βαραχίας  
Sense: said to be the father of the Zachariah slain in the temple.
ὃν  whom 
Parse: Personal / Relative Pronoun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: ὅς 
Sense: who, which, what, that.
ἐφονεύσατε  you  murdered 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: φονεύω  
Sense: to kill, slay, murder.
μεταξὺ  between 
Parse: Preposition
Root: μεταξύ  
Sense: between.
ναοῦ  temple 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: ναός  
Sense: used of the temple at Jerusalem, but only of the sacred edifice (or sanctuary) itself, consisting of the Holy place and the Holy of Holies (in classical Greek it is used of the sanctuary or cell of the temple, where the image of gold was placed which is distinguished from the whole enclosure).
θυσιαστηρίου  altar 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Singular
Root: θυσιαστήριον  
Sense: the altar for slaying and burning of victims used of.