King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:32 Mean?

Matthew 23:32 in the King James Version says “Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.”

Matthew 23:32 · KJV

Context

30

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.

31

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

32

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

33

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

34

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:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers (πληρώσατε τὸ μέτρον τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν)—plērōsate can be imperative ("fill up!") or predictive ("you will fill up"). Both senses apply: Jesus prophetically announces what they will do while their hardened wills make it effectively a command they'll fulfill. Metron (measure) evokes God's appointed limit of sin before judgment falls (Genesis 15:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:16).

Their ancestors murdered prophets; they will murder the Son of God—completing the full measure of covenant-breaking rebellion. Daniel 9:24 prophesied finishing transgression before Messiah's cutting off. The crucifixion would both atone for sin and complete the measure of Israel's rejection, triggering AD 70 judgment. God's patience has limits; there is a "full measure" after which judgment becomes inevitable.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God's "measure" of patience with Israel had been filling for centuries through repeated prophetic rejection. Northern Kingdom filled their measure by 722 BC (Assyrian exile). Southern Kingdom by 586 BC (Babylonian exile). Now the reconstituted nation would fill the final measure by crucifying Messiah. Jesus spoke Tuesday of Passion Week—by Friday they would accomplish it. AD 70 would bring the prophesied judgment—temple destruction, Jerusalem's devastation, national dispersion lasting until 1948.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the concept of a "measure" of sin that can be "filled up" challenge presumption on God's patience?
  2. What sins might you be accumulating toward a "full measure" that will eventually trigger inescapable consequences?
  3. How does Jesus's prophecy that the Pharisees would complete their fathers' rebellion demonstrate both divine foreknowledge and human responsibility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

“then”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὑμεῖς2 of 8

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

πληρώσατε3 of 8

“Fill”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

τὸ4 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μέτρον5 of 8

“the measure”

G3358

a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree)

τῶν6 of 8
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρων7 of 8

“fathers”

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν8 of 8

“of your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:32 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 23:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 15:16Numbers 32:141 Thessalonians 2:16Zechariah 5:6-11

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