Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 23:31

"Wherefore ye witness to yourselves, that ye are sons of them that slew the prophets." — Matthew 23:31 (ASV)

But the distinction the Jews draw in v.30 Jesus now denies. Their own saying testifies against them. They speak fondly of their ancestors and so acknowledge themselves to be the sons (NIV, “descendents”) of those who shed the blood of the prophets. But Jesus sees further irony here, based on the ambiguity of “fathers” and “sons.” The Jews think in terms of their physical descent. Jesus responds by saying in effect that they are sons all right—more than they realize. They show their paternity by resembling the actions of their fathers. While piously claiming to be different, they are already plotting ways to put an end to Jesus (21:38–39, 46).