Definition: That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 23:35. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage that speaks about judgment and the consequences of sin. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “That upon you may come…” : This means that this event will happen to you . It's not just about a specific person; it’s about the possibility of widespread bloodshed. “…all the righteous blood shed upon the earth” : "Righteous" means morally good and just. So, this verse is talking about any blood spilled – not just from one person, but from everyone who has committed a terrible sin. It's saying that the potential for massive suffering will be unleashed. “From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias…” : This is where it gets really serious. Abel: This refers to Adam, the first man in the Bible. The verse connects this to the idea that humanity has a terrible past – we've made mistakes that have led to suffering and death. Zacharias son of Barachias: This is a specific person mentioned in the Old Testament prophecy. He was a prophet who predicted God’s coming justice. So, what does this verse mean in a nutshell? Jesus is saying that we are all accountable for our sins . The possibility of widespread bloodshed – of countless deaths and tragedies – isn't just about individual acts of violence; it's about the potential for any act of wickedness to have devastating consequences. It’s a warning about the consequences of sin. It’s a message of consequence: The verse is essentially saying that our choices, our actions, and our sins will be judged and will have a lasting impact on the world. It's a reminder that we are responsible for what we do. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a condemnation of sin itself, but it’s also important to remember that it speaks about the consequences of sin – not necessarily about punishment for sin (which is more about repentance and forgiveness). --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the historical context surrounding this passage? Compare it to other biblical passages about judgment or consequences?