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!
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}!
"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!
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!
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!
-
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,
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!"
Context
This deeply emotional declaration by Jesus comes at a pivotal point in His ministry, specifically after a series of strong condemnations (the "woes") against the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Having exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, Jesus turns His sorrowful attention to the city of Jerusalem itself, which symbolizes the nation of Israel. This is not merely a statement of judgment but a profound expression of divine grief and lament over the city's persistent rejection of God's messengers throughout its history.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "would" (ēthelēsa) in "how often would I have gathered" signifies a strong and genuine desire or intention on Jesus' part. The repetition of "Jerusalem, Jerusalem" (anaphora) is a powerful rhetorical device used to emphasize the depth of Jesus' emotion—a profound lament and sorrow. The contrasting phrase "ye would not" (ouk ēthelēsate) uses the same root verb with a negative particle, directly highlighting the deliberate choice and refusal of the people against Jesus' loving intention.
Reflection and Application
Matthew 23:37 serves as a profound reminder of God's enduring patience and boundless love, even in the face of persistent human rejection. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we allowing the Lord to "gather" us under His protective care, or are we, like Jerusalem, resisting His gracious call? This verse underscores that while God's desire for our salvation and well-being is absolute, He respects our free will. The tragic outcome for Jerusalem, hinted at in the very next verse (Matthew 23:38, "your house is left unto you desolate"), stands as a solemn warning against the dangers of persistently rejecting God's grace and the profound consequences of such refusal.
Ultimately, this verse encapsulates the paradox of divine love and human stubbornness, revealing a compassionate Savior who grieves over those who refuse His embrace, yet continues to extend His saving grace to all who will receive it (John 3:16).