Matthew 23:36

KJV

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, All {G3956} these things {G5023} shall come {G2240} upon {G1909} this {G5026} generation {G1074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! I tell you that all this will fall on this generation

Berean Standard Bible

Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

American Standard Version

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:36 serves as a climactic and sobering declaration by Jesus, pronouncing an imminent divine judgment upon the contemporary generation of Jewish leaders and the nation for their persistent rejection of God's messengers, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah himself. This verse encapsulates the cumulative guilt of centuries of disobedience and prophetic persecution, warning that the full weight of these transgressions would fall upon those living at that time, signifying a pivotal moment in salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Jesus' searing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, recorded in [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Pharisees"). Preceding this verse, Jesus delivers a series of seven "woes," systematically exposing the hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, and oppressive legalism of these religious leaders ([Matthew 23:13-33](/matthew/23-13-33 "Matthew 23:13-33 - The Seven Woes")). He condemns their outward show of piety, their heavy burdens placed on the people, and their ultimate rejection and persecution of God's prophets throughout history, culminating in their impending rejection of Jesus himself ([Matthew 23:34-35](/matthew/23-34-35 "Matthew 23:34-35 - Persecution of Prophets")). The phrase "All these things" directly refers to the cumulative guilt and judgment detailed in these preceding woes. Immediately following this pronouncement, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, foreshadowing its desolation due to its persistent rejection of His gracious invitation ([Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")). Thus, [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - Prophecy of Judgment") acts as the solemn climax of Jesus' public ministry and prophetic warnings before His passion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus' Denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees") takes place in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry, just before His crucifixion. The city was the religious and political heart of Judea, and the Temple was the center of Jewish worship. The scribes and Pharisees were the dominant religious authorities, revered by the people but often criticized by Jesus for their legalism and hypocrisy. The historical backdrop includes centuries of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness, marked by a pattern of rejecting God's prophets and embracing idolatry or self-righteousness. Jesus' words echo earlier prophetic warnings of judgment for disobedience (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")). The "generation" Jesus addresses refers to the contemporary population, particularly its leadership, who were perpetuating this historical pattern of rebellion and were about to commit the ultimate act of rejection by crucifying the Messiah. This prophecy found its historical fulfillment approximately 40 years later with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in A.D. 70, a catastrophic event that ended the Jewish sacrificial system and dispersed the Jewish people.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - The Certainty of Judgment") contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Accountability**. Jesus' pronouncement highlights the certainty of God's righteous judgment upon those who persistently reject His truth, persecute His messengers, and cling to self-righteousness. It emphasizes that there will be an immediate and tangible accountability for spiritual rebellion and hypocrisy, not just a future, eschatological reckoning. Secondly, the verse reinforces the **Consequences of Rejection**. The "all these things" refers to the cumulative guilt of Israel's history of rejecting God's prophets, now brought to a head by their rejection of the Messiah. This culmination of sin would result in severe consequences falling upon "this generation," signifying a historical turning point. Thirdly, it functions as a profound **Prophetic Warning**. Jesus' words serve as a stark and solemn warning that the spiritual state of the nation had reached a critical point, and the time for divine reckoning was imminent. This prophecy, fulfilled in A.D. 70, illustrates God's justice and the inevitable outcome of rejecting His ultimate revelation in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Verily (Greek, _amḗn'_):** This adverb, derived from a Hebrew word meaning "firm" or "trustworthy," is Jesus' characteristic way of introducing a statement with absolute truth, certainty, and divine authority. It functions as a solemn affirmation, underscoring the gravity and infallibility of the pronouncement that follows. When Jesus says "Verily," He is stamping His divine seal of truth on the declaration.
* **come (Greek, _hḗkō'_):** This verb signifies "to arrive" or "to be present." In this context, it denotes the certain and imminent arrival or manifestation of the judgment previously described. It's not a mere possibility but a definite, impending event, emphasizing the inevitability of the consequences that will befall "this generation."
* **generation (Greek, _geneá'_):** This term refers to a group of people living at a particular time, an age, or a contemporary population. In [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - The Meaning of 'Generation'"), it specifically denotes the contemporary group of people, particularly the leaders and the populace who were actively participating in or condoning the rejection of God's prophets and, crucially, the Messiah. It highlights their direct culpability for the culmination of Israel's historical rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you,"**: This opening phrase, "Amen lego hymin" in Greek, is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching, signifying the absolute truth and divine authority of His words. It is not merely a statement but a solemn, binding declaration, emphasizing the certainty and gravity of what He is about to pronounce. It demands attention and belief, establishing the prophetic nature of the subsequent warning.
* **"All these things shall come"**: "All these things" refers comprehensively to the cumulative guilt and judgment detailed in the preceding "woes" (e.g., [Matthew 23:13-33](/matthew/23-13-33 "Matthew 23:13-33 - Jesus' Woes")). This includes the blood of all the righteous prophets and martyrs, from Abel to Zechariah, whom Israel had persecuted throughout its history ([Matthew 23:35](/matthew/23-35 "Matthew 23:35 - The Blood of the Righteous")). The phrase "shall come" (hḗkō) underscores the certainty and imminence of this judgment. It is not a hypothetical scenario but a definite, impending reality, a divine reckoning that is about to manifest.
* **"upon this generation."**: "This generation" refers specifically to the people living at the time Jesus spoke these words, particularly the religious leaders and the nation of Israel that was about to reject and crucify their Messiah. The judgment would fall directly upon them because they were perpetuating and culminating the historical pattern of rejecting God's messengers, and their ultimate rejection of Jesus would seal their fate. This prophecy was fulfilled with the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70, approximately forty years after Jesus' pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
[Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - A Prophetic Warning") employs several powerful literary devices. The phrase "Verily I say unto you" functions as a **Solemn Declaration**, a characteristic rhetorical device of Jesus that emphasizes the absolute truth and divine authority of His pronouncements, demanding immediate and serious attention from His audience. The entire verse is a direct **Prophecy**, foretelling a future event—the divine judgment and desolation of Jerusalem—which would occur within the lifetime of "this generation." This prophetic element underscores Jesus' omniscience and His role as the ultimate revealer of God's will. Furthermore, the verse serves as a **Summation and Climax**, bringing to a dramatic conclusion the series of "woes" and indictments against the scribes and Pharisees in [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - The Climax of Jesus' Denunciation"). It gathers the cumulative weight of historical and contemporary sin, pronouncing a definitive judgment that marks a turning point in the narrative of God's dealings with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:36 stands as a stark reminder of the principle of divine accountability and the cumulative nature of sin and rejection. Theologically, it underscores God's justice, demonstrating that persistent rebellion against His revealed truth and the persecution of His messengers will inevitably lead to judgment. The "blood of all the righteous" falling upon "this generation" signifies that while each generation is accountable for its own actions, there is also a corporate responsibility and a culmination of historical guilt that can reach a tipping point, leading to a decisive divine intervention. This specific judgment on Jerusalem and its leaders serves as a powerful historical example of the consequences of rejecting God's ultimate revelation in His Son. It highlights the transition from the old covenant era, marked by Israel's unfaithfulness, to the inauguration of a new covenant through Christ's sacrifice, which would open the way for a new people of God, comprised of both Jews and Gentiles.

* [Luke 21:20-24](/luke/21-20-24 "Luke 21:20-24 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction")
* [Matthew 24:1-2](/matthew/24-1-2 "Matthew 24:1-2 - Jesus Predicts the Temple's Destruction")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:14-16](/1_thessalonians/2-14-16 "1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 - God's Wrath on Those Who Oppose the Gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Matthew 23:36 speaks to a specific historical judgment upon a particular generation, its underlying principles resonate with timeless spiritual truths that hold profound implications for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is a God of justice, and His patience, though vast and merciful, is not infinite. We are challenged to examine our own hearts and lives, ensuring that our faith is not merely an outward show of piety but a genuine, transformative relationship with God. Are we truly living in humble obedience to His Word, or are we guilty of spiritual hypocrisy, prioritizing human traditions or self-righteousness over the true demands of the Gospel? This verse compels us to heed God's warnings, recognizing that His pronouncements, whether of blessing or judgment, are given out of love and a desire for repentance, and ignoring them inevitably leads to consequences. Ultimately, it calls for a sincere embrace of Christ's teachings and a readiness to respond to His call, acknowledging our individual and collective accountability before Him for how we receive His truth and His messengers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be guilty of spiritual hypocrisy, prioritizing outward appearance over inward transformation?**
* **How seriously do I take God's warnings in Scripture, and what steps am I taking to align my life with His truth?**
* **What does "accountability" mean for me as an individual believer, and how does it shape my daily choices and my response to God's Word?**

### FAQ

**What does "this generation" mean in Matthew 23:36?**

Answer: In [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - The Meaning of 'This Generation'"), "this generation" (Greek: _geneá_) refers primarily to the contemporary generation of people living at the time Jesus spoke these words, particularly the Jewish leaders and the populace who were actively rejecting Him. It is not an indefinite period of time, but a specific group of people who would witness and experience the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy of judgment. This interpretation is supported by the historical fulfillment of the prophecy with the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple by the Romans in A.D. 70, which occurred within approximately 40 years of Jesus' pronouncement, well within a single generation's lifespan.

**What are "all these things" that shall come upon this generation?**

Answer: "All these things" refers to the cumulative guilt and judgment that Jesus had just detailed in His series of "woes" against the scribes and Pharisees in [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - The Woes and Their Consequences"). Specifically, it encompasses the blood of all the righteous prophets and martyrs whom Israel had persecuted throughout its history, from Abel to Zechariah ([Matthew 23:35](/matthew/23-35 "Matthew 23:35 - The Blood of the Righteous")). This generation was held accountable because they were perpetuating this historical pattern of rejecting God's messengers and were about to commit the ultimate act of rejecting and crucifying the Messiah. The fulfillment of "all these things" is widely understood to be the catastrophic destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple in A.D. 70, a divine judgment for their persistent rebellion and rejection of God's ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:36, while a pronouncement of judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the historical destruction of Jerusalem but more profoundly in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "blood of all the righteous" that falls upon "this generation" highlights the cumulative sin of humanity's rebellion against God, a rebellion that Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, would fully bear. His crucifixion, orchestrated by the very generation He condemned, was the ultimate act of rejection, yet it was also the divine means by which the curse of sin was absorbed. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the one upon whom the wrath for "all these things"—the accumulated sin of humanity—was poured out ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ's Propitiation")). For those who believe, the judgment prophesied in [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - Judgment and Grace") is averted, as Christ has borne the full weight of God's just wrath. He is the ultimate Prophet, whose warnings are true, and the ultimate King, whose judgment is righteous. The destruction of Jerusalem, therefore, serves as a powerful historical type, foreshadowing the final judgment that awaits all who ultimately reject the saving grace offered through the crucified and resurrected Christ ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). In Jesus, God's justice and mercy perfectly converge, offering salvation to those who turn from their own "generation's" rebellion and embrace Him as Lord and Savior ([Acts 2:38-40](/acts/2-38-40 "Acts 2:38-40 - Repentance and Salvation")).

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 24:34

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

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.

Mark 13:30

Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

Mark 13:31

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Ezekiel 12:21

¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 12:28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.

Luke 21:32

Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.