Matthew 23:30

30 and say, 'If we had been in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of 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 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

29 "Woe to you, Sofrim and Perushim, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous,

30 and say, 'If we had been in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'

31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are sons of those who killed the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.