Matthew 23:30

30 and say, `If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not 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, ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

29 "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous,

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

31 Therefore ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye are the children of them that killed the prophets.

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