Matthew 23:32

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

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the Pharisees during his final public rebuke in Jerusalem, immediately after noting they testify they are descendants of the prophets' murderers. He speaks this command just before pronouncing their impending judgment.

The words — The imperative πληρώσατε (plērōsate) means "do fill up" or complete, paired with τὸ μέτρον (to metron), literally "the measure." The phrase directs the listeners to bring the ancestral pattern of rebellion to its full extent.

The thread — This concept of a completed measure of sin appears in Genesis 15:16 regarding the Amorites, Numbers 32:14 concerning a new generation provoking divine anger, and 1 Thessalonians 2:16 describing the accumulation of sins to full completion.

Why it lands — The text demands recognition that rejecting the current messenger completes the same pattern of opposition established by their ancestors. It requires the reader to understand that repeated refusal to heed divine warning leaves no room for further opportunity.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

καὶkaiAnd ὑμεῖςhumeisyou yourselves πληρώσατεplērōsatedo fill up τὸtothe μέτρονmetronmeasure τῶνtōnof the πατέρωνpaterōnfathers ὑμῶν.humōnof you.

King James Version

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Cross-references

Genesis 15:16 In the fourth generation your descendants will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
Numbers 32:14 Now behold, you, a brood of sinners, have risen up in place of your fathers to further stoke the burning anger of the LORD against Israel.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 hindering us from telling the Gentiles how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them.
Zechariah 5:6 “What is it?” I asked. And he replied, “A measuring basket is going forth.” Then he continued, “This is their iniquity in all the land.”