Definition: Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really important passage from Matthew 23:31. It’s a tough one, and it speaks to a serious moment in Jesus’ teachings. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that we are being judged based on how we treat the message of God – specifically, the words of prophets (people who spoke about God). He’s pointing out that we've been acting like enemies of those messages. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves” : "Wherefore" means "because." So this part is asking, “Why are you being judged?” It’s a question directed at each individual person present. “That ye are the children of them which killed the prophets” : This is the core of the message. “Thems” is a plural form of "them," meaning "they." Jesus is saying that we have been actively working to harm or destroy the messages of the prophets – those people who spoke about God and delivered important truths. He’s suggesting we’ve been actively trying to silence or discredit them. What does this mean practically? It suggests a pattern of behavior, and it's not just about one bad action. It implies: Disrespect: We've been disrespectful towards the prophets – dismissing their words, ignoring their warnings, or even deliberately trying to stop them from speaking. Opposition: We’ve been actively opposing or hindering the message of God. Harm: We may have been spreading rumors, false accusations, or doing other things that directly damaged the reputation and authority of the prophets. Important Note: It's about our actions, not just the prophets' actions. Jesus isn’t saying the prophets were bad people. He is highlighting our own choices and how they impact how we are perceived. In short, this verse warns us that our actions – and especially our behavior – can have a significant negative consequence for those who deliver God’s message. It’s a reminder of the importance of listening to truth and respecting those who speak it. --- To help me explain it even better to you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you trying to grasp its significance, or just want a basic explanation?)