Luke 11:51

KJV

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

From {G575} the blood {G129} of Abel {G6} unto {G2193} the blood {G129} of Zacharias {G2197}, which {G3588} perished {G622} between {G3342} the altar {G2379} and {G2532} the temple {G3624}: verily {G3483} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, It shall be required {G1567} of {G575} this {G5026} generation {G1074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

from the blood of Hevel to the blood of Z’kharyah, who was killed between the altar and the Holy Place. Yes, I tell you, the responsibility for it will fall on this generation!

Berean Standard Bible

from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation.

American Standard Version

from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary: yea, I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Luke 11:51, Jesus delivers a profound and severe indictment against "this generation," holding them accountable for the cumulative guilt of all righteous blood shed throughout salvation history, from the first martyr, Abel, to Zechariah, who was slain between the altar and the temple. This declaration underscores the climax of Israel's historical rejection of God's prophets and messengers, culminating in their rejection of Jesus Himself, and foretells a coming divine reckoning for their persistent rebellion and spiritual blindness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of "woes" pronounced by Jesus against the Pharisees and lawyers (scribes) in [Luke 11](/luke/11 "Luke 11 - Woes to the Pharisees and Lawyers"). Beginning in [Luke 11:37](/luke/11-37 "Luke 11:37 - Jesus Dines with a Pharisee"), Jesus critiques their external piety that masks internal corruption, their neglect of justice and the love of God, and their practice of building tombs for the prophets while simultaneously persecuting God's living messengers. The indictment in [Luke 11:47-51](/luke/11-47-51 "Luke 11:47-51 - Woes for Honoring Dead Prophets While Persecuting Living Ones") specifically targets their hypocrisy regarding the prophets, culminating in the declaration that the blood of all martyrs will be required of "this generation," highlighting their unique culpability in the long history of Israel's rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias" is a significant historical and canonical reference. Abel, recorded in [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel"), is universally recognized as the first martyr in biblical history. Zacharias is most commonly identified as Zechariah, son of Jehoiada, who was stoned to death in the court of the house of the Lord for rebuking the people and King Joash, as recorded in [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20-22 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah Son of Jehoiada Martyred"). The book of 2 Chronicles is the final book in the traditional Hebrew Bible canon (Tanak), which differs from the order of the Christian Old Testament. Thus, "from Abel to Zacharias" effectively encompasses the entire span of Old Testament prophetic martyrdom, from the first book to the last in the Hebrew canonical arrangement, symbolizing the full scope of Israel's historical rejection of God's messengers.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 11:51](/luke/11-51 "Luke 11:51 - Accountability for Shed Blood") contributes significantly to several key themes within Luke's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Accountability**, emphasizing that God holds generations responsible for their actions, especially their response to His truth and messengers. The verse also highlights the pervasive theme of the **Rejection of God's Messengers**, a recurring pattern throughout Israel's history, from the prophets of old to John the Baptist and ultimately Jesus Himself. Furthermore, it speaks to the **Climax of Wickedness**, suggesting that Jesus' contemporary generation, by rejecting the Messiah, brought to a head the accumulated guilt of centuries of disobedience, making them uniquely culpable. This culminates in the theme of **God's Inevitable Justice**, assuring that righteous blood shed will not go unpunished, and divine reckoning will surely come.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** This term, G129, refers literally to the blood of men or animals, but here it carries a profound figurative meaning, specifically "bloodshed" and the "atoning blood of Christ." In this context, "blood" signifies the life violently taken, representing the innocent lives of God's faithful messengers who were martyred for their testimony. The mention of "blood" crying out from the ground (as with Abel) implies a demand for justice.
* **Zacharias (Greek, _Zacharías'_):** G2197, a name of Hebrew origin, referring to Zechariah, specifically identified here as the son of Jehoiada, whose martyrdom is recorded in [2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20-22 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah Son of Jehoiada Martyred"). His inclusion signifies the final martyr in the traditional Hebrew Old Testament canon, completing the full historical scope of prophetic persecution.
* **required (Greek, _ekzētéō'_):** G1567, derived from "to search out," implies a strong demand or investigation. Here, in the passive voice ("It shall be required"), it conveys that justice will be exacted or avenged. It is not merely a passive observation but an active divine pursuit of accountability for the accumulated guilt of rejecting and persecuting God's messengers.
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** G1074, meaning "a generation" or "an age." In this context, "this generation" refers primarily to the contemporary Jewish leadership and their followers who were actively rejecting Jesus. It signifies not just a chronological period but a moral and spiritual disposition characterized by rebellion and spiritual blindness, culminating the long history of Israel's unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias":** This phrase establishes the historical scope of the indictment. Abel represents the first martyr in the biblical narrative ([Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")), while Zacharias, son of Jehoiada, is the last martyr recorded in the Hebrew canonical order ([2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20-22 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah Son of Jehoiada Martyred")). This sweeping statement encompasses the entire history of righteous blood shed by God's people throughout the Old Testament, symbolizing the complete legacy of prophetic persecution.
* **"which perished between the altar and the temple":** This detail specifically identifies the Zacharias in question, referring to the location of Zechariah's martyrdom in the temple court. The "altar" likely refers to the altar of burnt offering in the outer court, and "the temple" (Greek, _oîkos_ G3624, meaning "house" or "dwelling") refers to the broader temple complex. His death in such a sacred space underscores the profound sacrilege and spiritual depravity of those who committed the act, highlighting the ultimate rejection of God's message even within His own sanctuary.
* **"verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation":** Jesus' emphatic "verily I say unto you" (Greek, _naí légō hymîn_ G3483, G3004, G5213) introduces a solemn and certain pronouncement of judgment. The phrase "It shall be required" (Greek, _ekzētéō_ G1567) indicates that accountability and justice will be exacted. "This generation" (Greek, _taútēi geneá_ G5026, G1074) refers to Jesus' contemporaries, particularly the religious leaders, who, by rejecting the Messiah, brought to a climax the accumulated guilt of centuries of rejecting God's messengers. Their culpability was not merely for their own sins but for the entire history of Israel's rebellion, as they were completing the pattern of their ancestors.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 11:51 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping statement "from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias," which, while rooted in historical figures, functions as an exaggerated expression to encompass the *entirety* of righteous martyrdom throughout Old Testament history, emphasizing the cumulative nature of the guilt. This phrase also serves as a strong **Allusion** to specific historical events, relying on the audience's knowledge of biblical narratives to grasp the full weight of Jesus' condemnation. Furthermore, the concept of "blood" crying out for justice and being "required" of a generation functions as **Symbolism**, where blood represents not only the life unjustly taken but also the moral stain and spiritual debt that demands divine reckoning. The stark contrast between the sacred space of the temple and the act of murder within it also creates a powerful **Irony**, highlighting the profound spiritual blindness and hypocrisy of those who claimed to serve God yet persecuted His prophets.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 11:51 powerfully articulates the principle of corporate and historical accountability, demonstrating that while God is patient, there is a point at which the accumulated rejection of His truth and persecution of His messengers reaches a climax, leading to inevitable divine judgment. Jesus' declaration signifies that His generation, by rejecting the ultimate Prophet and Messiah, was completing the pattern of their ancestors' rebellion, thereby inheriting the full weight of the past's unpunished wickedness. This highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice for the innocent and His intolerance for spiritual hypocrisy and persistent rebellion against His divine will. The shedding of innocent blood, especially that of God's chosen witnesses, is a grave offense that demands a divine response, underscoring the seriousness with which God views humanity's treatment of His truth.

* [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "Genesis 4:10 - Abel's Blood Cries Out")
* [Matthew 23:34-36](/matthew/23-34-36 "Matthew 23:34-36 - Jesus Condemns Jerusalem for Killing Prophets")
* [Revelation 18:24](/revelation/18-24 "Revelation 18:24 - Babylon Accountable for All Shed Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 11:51 serves as a timeless and sobering warning against spiritual complacency, hypocrisy, and the rejection of divine truth, urging us to examine our own hearts and our posture toward God's Word and His messengers. It reminds us that there is a profound seriousness in how we respond to the truth presented to us, whether through the Scriptures, faithful preaching, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit. To harden our hearts against God's revelation, to dismiss or persecute those who speak His truth, is to align ourselves with a historical pattern of rebellion that incurs severe consequences. This passage calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, openness, and obedience, recognizing that our generation, too, is accountable for how it receives or rejects the light of God's truth. It also offers a measure of comfort to those who suffer for righteousness' sake, knowing that God sees and will ultimately bring justice for every innocent life and every faithful testimony.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my generation, be susceptible to the same spiritual blindness and hypocrisy that Jesus condemned in His generation?**
* **How do I respond when God's truth, perhaps through a challenging sermon or a difficult Scripture, confronts my comfortable assumptions or sinful practices?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the long-term consequences of rejecting God's messengers and His truth?**

### FAQ

**Why does Jesus specifically mention Abel and Zacharias?**

Answer: Jesus mentions Abel and Zacharias to encompass the entire span of Old Testament prophetic martyrdom. Abel ([Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel")) is traditionally considered the first martyr in the biblical narrative. Zacharias, the son of Jehoiada ([2 Chronicles 24:20-22](/2_chronicles/24-20-22 "2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - Zechariah Son of Jehoiada Martyred")), is significant because 2 Chronicles is the last book in the traditional Hebrew Bible canon (the Tanak). By referencing martyrs from the first and last books of their sacred scriptures, Jesus symbolically includes all the righteous blood shed throughout their history, emphasizing the cumulative guilt of Israel's persistent rejection of God's prophets.

**What does Jesus mean by "this generation"?**

Answer: "This generation" (Greek, _geneá_ G1074) refers primarily to Jesus' contemporary audience, specifically the religious leaders and those who followed their lead in rejecting Him. It is not merely a chronological designation but also a moral and spiritual one. Jesus implies that this generation, by rejecting the Messiah Himself, was bringing to a climax the long history of Israel's rebellion and unfaithfulness to God's covenant. Their unique culpability stemmed from their rejection of the ultimate revelation of God, making them responsible for the entire legacy of prophetic persecution. This concept is also seen in [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - All These Things Will Come Upon This Generation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 11:51, with its stark declaration of accountability for the blood of all righteous martyrs, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the judgment it pronounces but also in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the verse speaks of judgment for the rejection of God's messengers, it simultaneously foreshadows the ultimate, innocent blood that would be shed—the blood of Jesus Himself. He is the final and greatest Prophet, whose own martyrdom on the cross would become the climactic act of both human depravity and divine salvation. The "blood of Abel" cried out for justice, but the "blood of Jesus" speaks a better word, a word of forgiveness and atonement ([Hebrews 12:24](/hebrews/12-24 "Hebrews 12:24 - The Sprinkled Blood of Jesus")). Through His sacrifice, Christ absorbed the full wrath of God for sin, including the sin of rejecting God's messengers, offering a path to reconciliation for all who believe. Thus, while "this generation" faced judgment for their culmination of historical rebellion, the cross of Christ stands as the ultimate answer to the problem of innocent blood, offering redemption even to those who participated in the greatest act of injustice, providing a way for any generation to escape the condemnation by embracing the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 24:20

And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.

2 Chronicles 24:22

Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died, he said, The LORD look upon [it], and require [it].

Hebrews 11:4

¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Matthew 23:35

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.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Genesis 4:8

¶ And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

Genesis 4:11

And now [art] thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;