Matthew 23:30

30 and you say, `Had we lived when our fathers did, we would never have taken part in killing the prophets.'

Matthew 23:30 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 23:30

And say, if we had been in the days of our fathers
Their ancestors and predecessors: signifying, that if they had lived in the times they did, or had been in the same post and office with them, they should have opposed, at least not consented to their measures: we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the
prophets;
would not have joined them in persecuting the prophets, and in shedding their blood, and putting them to death; but would have received them as the prophets of the Lord, have hearkened to their advice and message, and have honoured and obeyed them as such; and this they thought they sufficiently declared, by building and adorning their tombs.

Matthew 23:30 In-Context

28 Likewise, you appear to people from the outside to be good and honest, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and far from Torah.

29 "Woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the tzaddikim,

30 and you say, `Had we lived when our fathers did, we would never have taken part in killing the prophets.'

31 In this you testify against yourselves that you are worthy descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

32 Go ahead then, finish what your fathers started!