King James Version
Matthew 23:31 in the King James Version says “Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.”
Matthew 23:31 · KJV
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
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.
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Wherefore”
G5620so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
“unto yourselves”
G1438(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
“the children”
G5207a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
“the prophets”
G4396a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Matthew 23:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 23:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge