Matthew 23:32

KJV

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

KJV (with Strong's)

Fill {G4137} ye {G5210} up {G4137} then {G2532} the measure {G3358} of your {G5216} fathers {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Go ahead then, finish what your fathers started!

Berean Standard Bible

Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers.

American Standard Version

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:32, Jesus delivers a profoundly ironic and condemnatory declaration to the scribes and Pharisees, urging them to "fill up then the measure of your fathers." This statement, part of His final public discourse and a series of "woes" against the religious leadership, is not a literal command to sin but a prophetic indictment. It signifies that their persistent rejection of God's messengers, culminating in their opposition to Jesus Himself, was bringing to completion the historical accumulation of Israel's corporate sin, thereby sealing their judgment and the impending divine wrath upon that generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 23:32 is situated within Jesus' scathing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, a lengthy discourse that forms a climactic confrontation with the religious establishment in Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. This verse immediately follows [Matthew 23:31](/matthew/23-31 "Matthew 23:31 - Sons of Those Who Murdered Prophets"), where Jesus explicitly states that the Pharisees are "witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets." The "woes" (e.g., [Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Woe to Scribes and Pharisees")) expose their hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and spiritual blindness, contrasting their outward piety with their inward corruption. The command to "fill up the measure" serves as a culmination of these woes, indicating that their actions were bringing the historical pattern of rebellion to its full, tragic conclusion, leading directly into Jesus' lament over Jerusalem and prophecy of its destruction in [Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The religious leaders of Jesus' day, particularly the Pharisees, were highly esteemed by the populace for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. However, Jesus consistently challenged their legalism and self-righteousness, accusing them of nullifying God's commands through their traditions ([Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - The Tradition of the Elders")). The concept of a "measure" of iniquity being filled finds precedent in the Old Testament, such as God's declaration to Abraham that the iniquity of the Amorites was "not yet full" ([Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites")). This implies a divine threshold of sin that, once crossed, necessitates judgment. Jesus' words connect the contemporary generation's rejection of Him to the long history of Israel's rejection and persecution of God's prophets, establishing a continuity of rebellion that was now reaching its ultimate climax.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It highlights the **culmination of sin**, indicating that the wickedness of Israel, particularly as embodied by its religious leaders, had reached its full extent, mirroring the "measure of iniquity" for the Amorites. The phrase also underscores the **ironic command** of Jesus, who is not literally instructing them to sin more, but rather condemning their active participation in the historical pattern of rejecting God's truth and persecuting His servants, thereby fulfilling this "measure." This directly leads to the theme of **impending judgment**, as the filling of this measure necessitates the coming divine judgment upon Jerusalem and that generation, further elaborated in Jesus' prophecy of bloodshed in [Matthew 23:34-36](/matthew/23-34-36 "Matthew 23:34-36 - Judgment on This Generation"). Finally, it exposes the profound **hypocrisy** of the religious leaders, who outwardly appeared righteous but inwardly were full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness ([Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Woe to Whitewashed Tombs")), revealing that their actions were consistent with, and indeed surpassed, the sins of their ancestors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fill (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb, G4137, means "to make replete," "to cram," "to level up," or figuratively "to furnish," "satisfy," "execute," "finish," or "verify." In this context, it carries the sense of bringing to completion or fulfilling a quota. Jesus' use of the imperative "Fill ye up" is deeply ironic, not a command to commit more sin, but a declaration that their actions were already actively contributing to the completion of the "measure" of their fathers' iniquity. It implies that their persistent rejection of God's truth was bringing the historical pattern of rebellion to its inevitable conclusion.
* **Measure (Greek, _métron'_):** The word G3358 refers to a "measure" or "metre," implying a fixed capacity or limit. Figuratively, it denotes a limited portion or degree. Here, "the measure" refers to the full quota or extent of sin that a people or generation can accumulate before divine judgment is unleashed. Once this capacity is reached, no more can be added, and the consequences are inevitable. This concept highlights God's justice and patience, which, while vast, are not infinite.
* **Fathers (Greek, _patḗr'_):** This word, G3962, means "father" literally or figuratively, referring to ancestors or progenitors. By referencing "your fathers," Jesus directly links the current generation of religious leaders to the historical lineage of those who persecuted and murdered God's prophets. This connection underscores the continuity of rebellion against God's messengers throughout Israel's history, culminating in the present generation's rejection of the Messiah Himself. It emphasizes their shared guilt and the corporate nature of the "measure" of sin being filled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Fill ye up then":** This phrase, using the imperative verb "fill" (πληρώσατε, _plērósate_), is a powerful and biting sarcastic command. Jesus is not literally instructing them to continue sinning; rather, He is prophetically declaring that their actions are already actively completing the historical pattern of their ancestors' rebellion. The "then" (G2532, _kaí_) serves to connect this statement to the preceding verse ([Matthew 23:31](/matthew/23-31 "Matthew 23:31 - You are Sons of Those Who Murdered the Prophets")), emphasizing the logical consequence of their lineage and actions. It's an acknowledgment that their trajectory of sin was reaching its full extent.
* **"the measure":** This refers to a divinely appointed quota or limit of iniquity. Just as a cup or container can only hold so much, there is a point at which the accumulation of sin, particularly the rejection of God's truth and His messengers, reaches a saturation point. This "measure" is not arbitrary but reflects God's patient long-suffering and His just requirement for accountability. Once full, it necessitates divine judgment.
* **"of your fathers":** This phrase explicitly links the current generation of religious leaders to their ancestors who persecuted and killed the prophets sent by God. Jesus is asserting that the scribes and Pharisees are not only following in their fathers' footsteps but are bringing that historical pattern of rebellion to its ultimate climax by rejecting and soon crucifying the Son of God Himself. This corporate guilt means they will bear the full weight of accumulated sin from past generations, as indicated in [Matthew 23:35-36](/matthew/23-35-36 "Matthew 23:35-36 - All Righteous Blood").

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:32 employs several potent literary devices to convey Jesus' message. The most prominent is **Irony**, specifically **sarcasm**. Jesus' "command" to "fill ye up" is not a genuine instruction but a bitter, ironic challenge, highlighting the absurdity and gravity of their ongoing rebellion. He is essentially saying, "Go ahead, finish what your ancestors started; you're already doing it." This sarcasm underscores the depth of their spiritual depravity and the inevitability of divine judgment. Closely related is **Hyperbole**, as the idea of "filling up" a "measure" of sin, while rooted in a theological concept, is presented with an exaggerated intensity to emphasize the overwhelming accumulation of wickedness. The verse also functions as a **Prophetic Declaration**, as Jesus is not merely commenting on their past but declaring the future consequences of their actions. He foresees the culmination of their sin leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the judgment upon that generation. This prophetic element adds a layer of solemnity and warning to the otherwise sarcastic tone.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:32 serves as a stark reminder of God's patient long-suffering and the ultimate limits of that patience in the face of persistent rebellion. It underscores the concept of corporate sin and the cumulative nature of rejecting divine truth. While God is merciful and desires repentance, there comes a point when a people's rejection of His overtures, particularly His ultimate revelation in Christ, reaches a "full measure," necessitating judgment. This verse highlights the profound responsibility that comes with receiving God's revelation and the severe consequences of rejecting it, especially for those in spiritual leadership. It also foreshadows the impending judgment upon Jerusalem in A.D. 70, viewing it as the culmination of centuries of national apostasy.

* [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Full")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:16](/1_thessalonians/2-16 "Wrath Has Come Upon Them to the Uttermost")
* [Revelation 18:5](/revelation/18-5 "Her Sins Have Reached to Heaven")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:32, though directed at the religious leaders of Jesus' day, carries profound implications for believers today. It serves as a sobering warning against hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and the danger of rejecting God's truth, especially when it challenges our comfortable traditions or preconceived notions. We are called to humility and genuine repentance, recognizing that outward religious observance without inward transformation is anathema to Christ. This verse reminds us that there is a limit to divine patience, and continued rebellion or spiritual apathy will inevitably lead to consequences, both individually and corporately. It compels us to examine our own hearts: Are we truly open to God's Word, even when it convicts us? Are we actively participating in the kingdom of God, or are we, like the Pharisees, hindering others from entering? We must learn from history, embracing God's messengers and His truth, lest we, too, contribute to a "measure" of unfaithfulness that incurs divine displeasure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be prone to spiritual hypocrisy or self-righteousness, similar to the Pharisees?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of God's patience and His justice?**
* **What "measures" of unfaithfulness or rejection of truth might be accumulating in my own life or in the broader church today, and how can I respond to prevent a "full measure"?**
* **How can I ensure that my outward religious practices are genuinely aligned with an inward transformation and obedience to Christ?**

### FAQ

**Was Jesus literally commanding the Pharisees to sin more?**

Answer: No, Jesus was not literally commanding the Pharisees to sin more. His statement, "Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers," is a powerful example of **sarcasm** and **irony**. It functions as a prophetic indictment, acknowledging that their current actions—especially their rejection of Him, the Messiah—were already actively completing the historical pattern of national rebellion against God's messengers. It was a declaration that they were bringing the accumulated sin of their ancestors to its full, ripe "measure," thereby sealing their own judgment. It's similar to saying, "Go ahead, finish what you've started," when someone is clearly on a destructive path.

**What is meant by "the measure of your fathers"?**

Answer: "The measure of your fathers" refers to the accumulated quota or full extent of sin and rebellion against God that had been building up through generations of Israel's history. This "measure" was particularly characterized by the persecution and murder of God's prophets, as highlighted in [Matthew 23:31](/matthew/23-31 "Matthew 23:31 - Sons of Those Who Murdered Prophets") and [Matthew 23:34-36](/matthew/23-34-36 "Matthew 23:34-36 - All Righteous Blood"). The idea is that God's patience, while vast, has a limit. Once this "measure" of iniquity is full, divine judgment becomes inevitable. The current generation of Pharisees, by rejecting Jesus, were bringing this historical pattern to its climax, thus filling the "measure" and incurring the full weight of judgment. This concept is also seen in [Genesis 15:16](/genesis/15-16 "Genesis 15:16 - The Iniquity of the Amorites Not Yet Full"), where God states the Amorites' iniquity was "not yet full."

**What judgment is implied by "filling up the measure"?**

Answer: The judgment implied by "filling up the measure" is the full outpouring of God's wrath upon that generation for their persistent rejection of His truth and His Son. This judgment culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in A.D. 70 by the Roman armies, an event Jesus prophesies in detail elsewhere (e.g., [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse")). It signifies the end of an era for the nation of Israel under the old covenant, as their corporate sin reached its historical climax. This judgment was not merely for their own sins but for the "righteous blood shed on earth" from Abel to Zechariah, which would "come upon this generation" ([Matthew 23:35-36](/matthew/23-35-36 "Matthew 23:35-36 - All Righteous Blood")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:32 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the ultimate and final prophet, whose rejection by the religious leaders brought the "measure of sin" to its absolute fullness. Israel's history was a long narrative of rejecting God's messengers, but in Jesus, God sent His own Son ([Matthew 21:33-41](/matthew/21-33-41 "Matthew 21:33-41 - Parable of the Wicked Tenants")). The Pharisees' decision to oppose and ultimately orchestrate the crucifixion of Jesus was the quintessential act that "filled up the measure" of their fathers' rebellion. In His death, Jesus not only became the ultimate victim of this accumulated sin but also 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")). His suffering and death, while a consequence of their sin, simultaneously became the means by which the "measure" of *God's* wrath against sin could be poured out upon Him, the innocent substitute, rather than upon humanity ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through His Blood")). Thus, the very act that completed the measure of human sin also provided the perfect sacrifice to atone for it, opening the way for all who believe to receive forgiveness and escape the judgment that such a "full measure" would otherwise entail ([Romans 5:8-9](/romans/5-8-9 "Romans 5:8-9 - While We Were Still Sinners")).

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

Genesis 15:16

But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites [is] not yet full.

Numbers 32:14

And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers' stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the LORD toward Israel.

1 Thessalonians 2:16

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Zechariah 5:6

And I said, What [is] it? And he said, This [is] an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This [is] their resemblance through all the earth.

Zechariah 5:11

And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base.