Matthew 23:37

KJV

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!

KJV (with Strong's)

O Jerusalem {G2419}, Jerusalem {G2419}, thou that killest {G615} the prophets {G4396}, and {G2532} stonest {G3036} them which are sent {G649} unto {G4314} thee {G846}, how often {G4212} would I {G2309} have gathered {G1996} thy {G4675}{G3739} children {G5043} together {G1996}, even as {G5158} a hen {G3733} gathereth {G1996} her {G1438} chickens {G3556} under {G5259} her wings {G4420}, and {G2532} ye would {G2309} not {G3756}!

Complete Jewish Bible

"Yerushalayim! Yerushalayim! You kill the prophets! You stone those who are sent to you! How often I wanted to gather your children, just as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you refused!

Berean Standard Bible

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

American Standard Version

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant lament, Jesus expresses profound sorrow over Jerusalem's persistent rejection of God's messengers throughout history, culminating in their refusal of His own protective, redemptive embrace. Employing the tender imagery of a hen gathering her chicks, He reveals His deep desire to offer safety and intimate care, contrasting it sharply with the city's stubborn unwillingness to accept His divine love and protection, foreshadowing the tragic consequences of their rejection.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic and emotional culmination of Jesus' public ministry in Jerusalem, particularly following His scathing pronouncements against the scribes and Pharisees in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). Having exposed their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness (e.g., [Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Shutting the Kingdom")), Jesus shifts from direct confrontation with the religious leaders to a heartbroken lament over the city itself, which symbolizes the entire nation of Israel. This transition from denunciation to lament underscores the depth of His divine grief, positioning this verse as a sorrowful farewell before His passion. The immediate subsequent verse, [Matthew 23:38](/matthew/23-38 "Matthew 23:38 - Your House Left Desolate"), announces the desolation of Jerusalem, making the lament in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem") a final, tender appeal before judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem, as the capital and religious center of Israel, held immense symbolic significance as the dwelling place of God's presence and the heart of the covenant people. Throughout its history, as chronicled in the Old Testament, Jerusalem and its inhabitants had a recurring pattern of rejecting the prophets sent by God, often persecuting or even killing them (e.g., [2 Chronicles 24:19-21](/2_chronicles/24-19-21 "2 Chronicles 24:19-21 - Zechariah's Martyrdom"), [Nehemiah 9:26](/nehemiah/9-26 "Nehemiah 9:26 - Rejection of Prophets")). This historical trajectory of rebellion against divine messengers forms the backdrop of Jesus' lament. The imagery of a hen gathering her chicks was a common and relatable agricultural scene, immediately conveying a sense of tender, protective care, which would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Lament and Compassion**, revealing God's emotional pain and sorrow over humanity's persistent sin and rejection of His love, even in the face of impending judgment. Secondly, it underscores the **Historical Pattern of Rejection**, emphasizing Israel's long history of resisting God's overtures and persecuting His prophets, a theme echoed in Stephen's sermon in [Acts 7:51-53](/acts/7-51-53 "Acts 7:51-53 - Israel's Resistance to the Holy Spirit"). Thirdly, the verse beautifully portrays **God's Protective Desire**, using the maternal imagery of a hen to illustrate His fervent longing to provide safety, refuge, and nurturing care for His people, reminiscent of passages like [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Psalm 91:4 - Under His Wings"). Finally, and most tragically, it confronts the theme of **Human Free Will and Responsibility**, as Jerusalem's ultimate refusal ("and ye would not!") demonstrates humanity's capacity to reject even the most tender and persistent divine invitations, bearing the consequences of that choice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jerusalem (Greek, _Hierousalḗm'_):** This word, repeated for emphasis, refers to the capital city of Palestine, which served as the spiritual and political heart of the Jewish nation. In this context, it functions as a metonymy for the entire nation and its people, embodying their collective history, identity, and, tragically, their pattern of rebellion against God. The repetition underscores Jesus' deep emotional anguish and direct address to the city personified.
* **gathered (Greek, _episynágō'_):** Derived from "upon" and "to collect," this verb signifies "to collect upon the same place" or "to gather together." It conveys Jesus' active, repeated, and earnest effort to bring the people of Jerusalem into a state of unity, safety, and spiritual protection under His care. The imperfect tense in "would I have gathered" suggests a continuous, habitual desire and attempt on Jesus' part over time.
* **would not (Greek, _thélō'_ with _ou'_):** The verb _thélō_ signifies a strong, active desire, will, or determination, implying a choice or preference stemming from subjective impulse. When combined with the negative particle _ou_ (not), it powerfully denotes a deliberate, conscious refusal or unwillingness. This phrase highlights the agency and responsibility of Jerusalem in actively rejecting Jesus' repeated, loving overtures, despite His genuine desire to protect them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee":** This opening phrase is a lament, a mournful cry directed at the city. The repetition of "Jerusalem" emphasizes the depth of Jesus' sorrow and direct address. The accusations that follow ("killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee") refer to a long, tragic history of Israel's rejection and persecution of God's messengers, from Old Testament prophets (e.g., Elijah, Jeremiah, Zechariah) to John the Baptist, and ultimately, Jesus Himself. This highlights a persistent pattern of rebellion against divine authority and truth.
* **"how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings":** Jesus expresses His profound, persistent desire to protect and nurture the people of Jerusalem. "How often" indicates a repeated, earnest effort over time. The imagery of a "hen gathereth her chickens under her wings" is a tender and vivid metaphor for protective, maternal care, offering refuge, warmth, and safety from danger. It speaks to Jesus' deep compassion and His longing to bring His people into a secure relationship with Him, shielded from harm.
* **"and ye would not!":** This short, stark phrase delivers the tragic core of the verse. Despite Jesus' fervent desire and repeated attempts to offer protection and salvation, the people of Jerusalem deliberately and actively refused His invitation. The emphasis is on their free will and their conscious decision to reject the divine overture, leading to the heartbreaking outcome. This phrase underscores human autonomy and the profound consequences of rejecting God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:37 is rich with powerful literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Anaphora**, the repetition of "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem," which serves to emphasize the direct address, heighten the emotional intensity, and convey Jesus' profound sorrow and lament over the city. This repetition transforms the statement into a mournful cry. The verse also employs a vivid **Metaphor** and **Simile** when Jesus compares Himself to a "hen gathereth her chickens under her wings." This imagery is a tender and universally understood symbol of maternal protection, warmth, and security. It vividly illustrates Jesus' fervent desire to shield His people from danger and provide refuge, contrasting sharply with their unwillingness. Furthermore, the city of Jerusalem is subjected to **Personification**, addressed as if it were a conscious entity capable of killing prophets and making choices ("thou that killest... and ye would not!"). This device imbues the city with moral agency, holding it accountable for its historical and ongoing rejection of God's messengers. Finally, the stark contrast between Jesus' desire to "gather" and Jerusalem's refusal, "ye would not," creates a powerful **Antithesis**, highlighting the tragic tension between divine love and human stubbornness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:37 stands as a profound testament to God's persistent love and patience, even in the face of human rebellion. It reveals a God who grieves over the choices of His people, longing for their protection and salvation. This lament underscores the tragic reality of human free will, demonstrating that divine love, however fervent, does not override human autonomy. The "gathering" imagery connects to the broader biblical theme of God's desire to gather His scattered people, a motif found throughout the Old Testament promises of restoration and the New Testament's call to unity in Christ. The rejection of prophets and God's messengers is a recurring pattern in Israel's history, culminating in the rejection of Jesus Himself, which ultimately leads to judgment. Yet, even in judgment, there is an underlying current of divine compassion, highlighting that the desolation is a consequence of their choice, not a desire of God.

* [Deuteronomy 32:10-12](/deuteronomy/32-10-12 "God's Care like an Eagle")
* [Psalm 17:8](/psalms/17-8 "Shadow of Your Wings")
* [Luke 13:34](/luke/13-34 "Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:37 serves as a poignant mirror for our own hearts, inviting us to consider our response to God's persistent invitation. Jesus' lament reveals a Savior who deeply desires to protect, nurture, and provide refuge for us, much like a hen diligently gathers her vulnerable chicks under her wings. This imagery speaks to the tender, intimate care God offers, a sanctuary from the dangers and anxieties of the world. The crucial question for us, then, is not whether God desires to gather us, but whether "we would." Are there areas in our lives where we are resisting His protective embrace, choosing our own path over His loving guidance? This verse reminds us that while God's love is unconditional, His protective care is often contingent on our willingness to receive it. It challenges us to surrender our stubbornness, pride, or self-sufficiency, and instead, humbly come under the wings of His grace, finding true safety and peace in His presence. The tragic outcome for Jerusalem serves as a solemn warning: persistent rejection of God's overtures leads to spiritual desolation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be resisting God's "gathering" in my own life, perhaps unknowingly?**
* **What specific "dangers" or "storms" in my life do I need to seek refuge from under God's protective wings?**
* **How does Jesus' lament over Jerusalem deepen my understanding of God's emotional investment in humanity?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a greater willingness to surrender to God's will and accept His protective care?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus lament over Jerusalem, and what does it signify?**

Answer: Jesus' lament over Jerusalem in [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem") signifies His profound sorrow and grief over the city's persistent spiritual rebellion and rejection of God's messengers throughout history, culminating in their refusal to accept Him as their Messiah. It's not merely a statement of judgment but a deeply emotional expression of divine compassion. The lament highlights God's personal pain when His love and protective overtures are spurned, and it serves as a solemn farewell before the city's impending desolation, as prophesied in [Matthew 23:38](/matthew/23-38 "Your House Left Desolate"). It underscores that while God desires to gather and protect His people, He respects their free will, and their rejection carries tragic consequences.

**What is the significance of the "hen gathering her chickens" metaphor?**

Answer: The metaphor of a "hen gathering her chickens under her wings" is a powerful and tender image of protective, maternal care. In a world where chicks are vulnerable to predators and harsh weather, the hen's wings offer warmth, safety, and refuge. Jesus uses this imagery to convey His fervent desire to provide complete protection, security, and nurturing care to the people of Jerusalem. It speaks to God's tender, mother-like love and His constant invitation for His people to find refuge and intimate fellowship in Him. This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament passages that describe God's protective care, such as [Psalm 91:4](/psalms/91-4 "Under His Wings") and [Ruth 2:12](/ruth/2-12 "Finding Refuge Under God's Wings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, while expressing the heartbreak of rejection, simultaneously foreshadows and illuminates the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment found in His redemptive work. The very "gathering" that Jerusalem rejected finds its ultimate and universal expression in the cross and resurrection. Though the historical Jerusalem refused His protective wings, Jesus, as the true "Lamb of God" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offered Himself as the ultimate refuge for all who would believe. His sorrow over Jerusalem's unwillingness to be gathered under His wings becomes the catalyst for a new, spiritual gathering of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "A Multitude from Every Nation")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus established a New Covenant, inviting all people, Jew and Gentile alike, to find eternal safety and spiritual nourishment in Him. He is the true "shepherd of the sheep" ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "The Good Shepherd")) who lays down His life to gather His flock, ensuring that none who come to Him will be lost ([John 6:37](/john/6-37 "All Who Come to Me")). Thus, the rejected "gathering" of Matthew 23:37 is superseded by the victorious and inclusive gathering of the church, united under the protective and life-giving reign of Christ, the resurrected Lord ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Gathering All Things in Christ")).

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

Luke 13:34

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen [doth gather] her brood under [her] wings, and ye would not!

Luke 13:35

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until [the time] come when ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

Ruth 2:12

The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

Psalms 91:4

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth [shall be thy] shield and buckler.

Deuteronomy 32:11

As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Deuteronomy 32:12

[So] the LORD alone did lead him, and [there was] no strange god with him.

Psalms 17:8

¶ Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,