Matthew 23:37

How often would I have gathered (posaki hqelhsa episunagein). More exactly, how often did I long to gather to myself (double compound infinitive). The same verb (episunagei) is used of the hen with the compound preposition upokatw. Everyone has seen the hen quickly get together the chicks under her wings in the time of danger. These words naturally suggest previous visits to Jerusalem made plain by John's Gospel.