Matthew 23:34

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1223}{G5124}, behold {G2400}, I {G1473} send {G649} unto {G4314} you {G5209} prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} wise men {G4680}, and {G2532} scribes {G1122}: and {G2532} some of {G1537} them {G846} ye shall kill {G615} and {G2532} crucify {G4717}; and {G2532} some of {G1537} them {G846} shall ye scourge {G3146} in {G1722} your {G5216} synagogues {G4864}, and {G2532} persecute {G1377} them from {G575} city {G4172} to {G1519} city {G4172}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore I am sending you prophets and sages and Torah-teachers -- some of them you will kill, indeed, you will have them executed on stakes as criminals; some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town.

American Standard Version

Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:34, Jesus delivers a solemn prophecy, announcing that He will send a new wave of His own messengers—prophets, wise men, and scribes—to the Jewish leadership and people. He foretells the severe persecution these emissaries will face, including being killed, crucified, scourged in synagogues, and relentlessly pursued from city to city. This declaration serves as a climactic indictment of the spiritual blindness and historical pattern of rejecting God's divine envoys, culminating in the ultimate rejection of Christ Himself and the impending judgment upon that generation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Jesus' final public discourse in Jerusalem, specifically within [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), which is predominantly a scathing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. Following a series of "woes" that expose their hypocrisy, legalism, and spiritual bankruptcy, Jesus pivots from condemnation to prophecy. Verse 34 initiates a powerful lament over Jerusalem and its consistent rejection of God's messengers, leading directly into the pronouncement of judgment in [Matthew 23:35-36](/matthew/23-35-36 "Matthew 23:35-36 - Judgment on Jerusalem"). It serves as a bridge, connecting the present rejection of Jesus and His teachings to the historical pattern of rejecting God's prophets, thereby establishing the culpability of "this generation."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse takes place in Jerusalem during the Passion Week, just days before His crucifixion. The audience includes His disciples, but the primary target of His woes and prophecy is the entrenched Jewish religious establishment—the scribes and Pharisees. These groups held significant religious and social authority, yet Jesus consistently challenged their man-made traditions and spiritual pride. The methods of persecution described—scourging in synagogues, killing, and crucifying—reflect the realities of the Roman-occupied Judea. While scourging was a common Jewish punishment administered in synagogues, crucifixion was a brutal Roman method of execution, and persecution "from city to city" speaks to the pervasive hostility faced by those who challenged the religious status quo. This context underscores the profound conflict between Jesus' Kingdom message and the prevailing religious system.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 23:34 contributes significantly to several key themes in Matthew's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the **Continuity of Divine Revelation and Rejection**. Jesus identifies Himself with the God of Israel by stating, "I send unto you," echoing God's historical sending of prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 7:25](/jeremiah/7-25 "Jeremiah 7:25 - God's Persistent Sending of Prophets")). This verse underscores the tragic pattern of Israel's rejection of God's messengers, a theme prominent throughout the Old Testament and culminating in the rejection of Christ Himself. Secondly, it emphasizes **Prophetic Fulfillment and Foreshadowing**. Jesus' words are a chillingly accurate prediction of the intense persecution that His apostles and early disciples would face, as vividly documented in [the Book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - History of the Early Church") (e.g., the stoning of Stephen in [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "Acts 7:54-60 - The Stoning of Stephen") or the numerous persecutions of Paul described in [2 Corinthians 11:23-27](/2_corinthians/11-23-27 "2 Corinthians 11:23-27 - Paul's Sufferings")). Thirdly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Divine Judgment**, as the rejection and persecution of these final messengers would seal the fate of that generation, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, which Jesus laments in [Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Send (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** From G649, meaning "to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively." Here, it signifies Jesus' divine authority and intentional commissioning of His chosen representatives. It implies a specific purpose and message, much like an ambassador is sent by a king. The use of "I send" (G1473 "egṓ" - I) emphasizes Jesus' own divine prerogative, placing Him in the position of God Himself, who historically sent prophets to Israel.
* **Prophets (Greek, _prophḗtēs'_):** From G4396, meaning "a foreteller ('prophet'); by analogy, an inspired speaker." In this context, it refers to those who would speak God's truth under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, often with a revelatory or predictive element, similar to the Old Testament prophets but now operating under the New Covenant.
* **Persecute (Greek, _diṓkō'_):** From G1377, meaning "to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute." This word captures the relentless and hostile pursuit of Jesus' followers, indicating not just isolated acts of violence but a sustained campaign of opposition and harassment across different locations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes:"** Jesus declares His sovereign intention to dispatch new messengers. The "wherefore" (G1223 "diá" and G5124 "toûto") links this action to the preceding woes, implying that because of their spiritual condition and rejection of truth, this further action is necessary. The "behold" (G2400 "idoú") draws attention to the gravity of the announcement. The terms "prophets," "wise men," and "scribes" describe the diverse roles of His future emissaries: those who speak God's word directly, those who teach with spiritual insight, and those who interpret and apply scripture from a New Covenant perspective. These are not the adversarial scribes of the Sanhedrin, but Christian teachers and evangelists.
* **"and [some] of them ye shall kill and crucify;"** This clause predicts the most extreme forms of persecution. "Kill" (G615 "apokteínō") refers to taking life, while "crucify" (G4717 "stauróō") specifically points to the Roman method of execution. The inclusion of crucifixion is particularly chilling, as it implies collaboration with Roman authorities or the adoption of Roman methods by Jewish persecutors, underscoring the depth of the animosity.
* **"and [some] of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues,"** Here, Jesus foretells a common form of Jewish punishment, flogging, administered within the Jewish religious centers, the synagogues (G4864 "synagōgḗ"). This highlights that the persecution would come not only from secular authorities but also from within the religious community itself, often under the guise of religious zeal.
* **"and persecute [them] from city to city:"** This final clause describes the relentless and widespread nature of the opposition. The messengers would be driven out of one city (G4172 "pólis") only to face similar hostility in another, indicating a systematic and pervasive campaign of harassment and expulsion across the region.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:34 employs several powerful literary devices. **Prophecy** is central, as Jesus foretells future events with chilling accuracy, demonstrating His divine foresight and authority. The detailed description of the methods of persecution (**"kill and crucify," "scourge in your synagogues," "persecute from city to city"**) uses **Vivid Imagery** to impress upon the hearers the brutal reality awaiting His followers. There is also a profound **Irony** in Jesus sending "scribes"—a term often used negatively for His opponents in this chapter—to represent Him, suggesting a new kind of scribe who truly understands and teaches God's word. Furthermore, the passage utilizes **Parallelism** by listing multiple forms of persecution and multiple types of messengers, emphasizing the breadth of both the divine commission and the human rejection. The cumulative effect of these devices underscores the severity of the coming judgment and the cost of discipleship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:34 stands as a stark testament to the ongoing conflict between God's truth and human resistance. It reveals a consistent pattern in salvation history: God sends His messengers, and humanity, particularly those in positions of religious authority, often rejects and persecutes them. This verse links the rejection of Jesus' disciples to the historical rejection of Old Testament prophets, establishing a continuity of divine patience and human rebellion. It underscores the profound spiritual blindness that leads to violence against those who bear God's truth, highlighting that true faithfulness to God's word often provokes opposition from a world unwilling to confront its own sin. This pattern of persecution, foreseen by Christ, is a sign of authentic ministry and a reminder that the Kingdom of God advances not through worldly power, but often through suffering.

* [Luke 11:49-51](/luke/11-49-51 "Luke 11:49-51 - The Blood of the Prophets")
* [Acts 5:40](/acts/5-40 "Acts 5:40 - Apostles Scourged")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:34 serves as a profound reminder that following Christ and proclaiming His truth is not a path devoid of opposition, but one that often leads to it. For believers today, this verse calls for a sober assessment of our commitment to the Gospel. Do we truly expect to live a life free from discomfort or criticism when Jesus Himself promised persecution for His faithful messengers? This passage challenges us to cultivate spiritual resilience and courage, knowing that any suffering endured for Christ's sake is part of a divine pattern and a shared experience with countless saints throughout history. It compels us to stand firm in our convictions, to speak truth with love, and to be prepared for the world's inevitable resistance to the light. Moreover, it should deepen our empathy for persecuted Christians globally, reminding us of the enduring cost of discipleship and the importance of prayer and solidarity with those who suffer for their faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 23:34 challenge my expectations about the ease or difficulty of living out my faith in today's world?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to compromise my commitment to Christ to avoid potential opposition or discomfort?**
* **How can understanding the historical pattern of persecution strengthen my resolve to faithfully proclaim the Gospel, even when it is unpopular?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "prophets, wise men, and scribes" Jesus is sending, and how do they differ from the scribes he condemns elsewhere?**

Answer: The "prophets, wise men, and scribes" Jesus sends are His own Spirit-empowered messengers, representing the diverse ministries within the early Christian community. "Prophets" refer to those who would speak God's inspired word, "wise men" to those who would teach with spiritual insight and discernment, and "scribes" to Christian teachers who would accurately interpret and apply the Scriptures in light of the New Covenant. This is a stark contrast to the "scribes" Jesus condemns throughout [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), who were the legalistic, hypocritical Jewish religious leaders of His day. The scribes Jesus sends are those who would truly embody the spirit of the Law and the Prophets, pointing to Christ, unlike their adversarial counterparts who distorted the Law and rejected God's truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:34, while a prophecy of future persecution for Jesus' followers, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Christ Himself. Jesus is the quintessential "prophet" (as recognized by the crowds in [Matthew 21:11](/matthew/21-11 "Matthew 21:11 - Jesus, the Prophet")), the embodiment of "wisdom" (as seen in [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom")), and the supreme "scribe" who perfectly interprets and fulfills the Law and the Prophets (as He declares in [Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). The very methods of persecution Jesus describes—being killed and crucified, scourged, and persecuted from city to city—were precisely what He endured during His Passion. He was scourged by Roman soldiers ([Matthew 27:26](/matthew/27-26 "Matthew 27:26 - Jesus Scourged")), crucified outside Jerusalem ([Matthew 27:35](/matthew/27-35 "Matthew 27:35 - Jesus Crucified")), and relentlessly pursued by the religious authorities throughout His ministry. Thus, Jesus is not merely the sender of these persecuted messengers; He is the archetypal persecuted messenger, whose suffering and death on the cross ultimately atone for the very sins of rejection and violence committed against God's envoys throughout history. His resurrection then vindicates the faithful messenger and inaugurates the era where His Spirit empowers His followers to continue His mission, even in the face of similar opposition, knowing their ultimate victory is assured through Him.

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

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Matthew 10:17

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

Matthew 13:52

Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe [which is] instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man [that is] an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure [things] new and old.

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

Matthew 10:23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

Acts 13:1

¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Matthew 23:34

¶ 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: