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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/40_Mat_07_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 7:23 - A Tree and its Fruit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/7-23.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/7-23.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 23</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/7-22.htm" title="Matthew 7:22">◄</a> Matthew 7:23 <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm" title="Matthew 7:24">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Then I will tell them plainly, &#8216I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And then I will declare unto them, 'I never knew you; depart you from Me, those working lawlessness.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; LEAVE ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220And then I will declare to them, &#8216I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And then I will declare to them publicly, ‘I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME [you are banished from My presence], YOU WHO ACT WICKEDLY [disregarding My commands].’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers! ’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will announce to them, I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!&#8217 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But I will tell them, "I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then I will tell them publicly, 'I've never known you. Get away from me, you evil people.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then I will say to them, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you wicked people!' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who practice evil!'" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"And then I will tell them plainly, "'I never knew you: begone from me, you doers of wickedness.'<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And then I will acknowledge to them, that—I never knew you, depart from Me you who are working lawlessness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And then I will declare unto them, 'I never knew you; depart you from Me, those working lawlessness.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and then I will acknowledge to them, that -- I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And then shall I confess to them that I never knew you. Go away from me, ye working iniquity.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And then will I disclose to them: ‘I have never known you. Depart from me, you workers of iniquity.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’ <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.’<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I will declare to them, I have never known you; keep away from me, O you that work iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And then I will confess to them, 'I have never known you, remove yourselves far from me, you workers of evil.'<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Then I will confess unto them that I never knew you: depart from me, ye who work iniquity.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />And then will I profess unto them, that I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />and then will I make this declaration to them: I never knew you: depart from me ye that have practised iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"And then I will tell them plainly, "'I never knew you: begone from me, you doers of wickedness.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And then will I confess to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye who work iniquity.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>I never owned you, depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/7-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1700" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">A Tree and its Fruit</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/3670.htm" title="3670: homologēsō (V-FIA-1S) -- From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.">I will tell them plainly,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: egnōn (V-AIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">‘I never knew</a> <a href="/greek/3763.htm" title="3763: Oudepote (Adv) -- Never. From oude and pote; not even at any time, i.e. Never at all."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you;</a> <a href="/greek/672.htm" title="672: apochōreite (V-PMA-2P) -- To go away, depart, withdraw. From apo and choreo; to go away.">depart</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: emou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">Me,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">you</a> <a href="/greek/2038.htm" title="2038: ergazomenoi (V-PPM/P-VMP) -- To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. ">workers</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/458.htm" title="458: anomian (N-AFS) -- Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness.">of lawlessness!’</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-25.htm">Luke 13:25-27</a></span><br />After the master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you will stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, open the door for us.’ But he will reply, ‘I do not know where you are from.’ / Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ / And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-11.htm">Matthew 25:11-12</a></span><br />Later the other virgins arrived and said, ‘Lord, lord, open the door for us!’ / But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41</a></span><br />Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-4.htm">1 John 2:4</a></span><br />If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-1.htm">1 Corinthians 13:1-3</a></span><br />If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal. / If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. / If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a></span><br />What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></span><br />Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14</a></span><br />I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-6.htm">John 15:6</a></span><br />If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/1-16.htm">Titus 1:16</a></span><br />They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/3-1.htm">Revelation 3:1</a></span><br />“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/20-12.htm">Revelation 20:12-15</a></span><br />And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. / The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. / Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death—the lake of fire. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31-32</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">Psalm 6:8</a></span><br />Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD has heard my weeping.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And then will I profess to them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.</p><p class="hdg">I never.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-12.htm">Matthew 25:12</a></b></br> But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/10-14.htm">John 10:14,27-30</a></b></br> I am the good shepherd, and know my <i>sheep</i>, and am known of mine… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></b></br> Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.</p><p class="hdg">depart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41</a></b></br> Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/5-5.htm">Psalm 5:5</a></b></br> The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">Psalm 6:8</a></b></br> Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hosea/13-4.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Avow</a> <a href="/matthew/4-10.htm">Begone</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-12.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-11.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/matthew/7-22.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/1_john/3-4.htm">Lawlessness</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-4.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-9.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-3.htm">Profess</a> <a href="/malachi/4-1.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/matthew/6-28.htm">Work</a> <a href="/joel/1-11.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-13.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Acknowledge</a> <a href="/john/12-42.htm">Avow</a> <a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Begone</a> <a href="/matthew/11-4.htm">Declare</a> <a href="/matthew/8-13.htm">Depart</a> <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/matthew/8-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Lawlessness</a> <a href="/mark/7-35.htm">Plainly</a> <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Practice</a> <a href="/1_timothy/2-10.htm">Profess</a> <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/matthew/13-33.htm">Work</a> <a href="/matthew/9-37.htm">Workers</a> <a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Do Not Judge</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Ask, Seek, Knock</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Enter through the Narrow Gate</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">A Tree and Its Fruit</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">The Wise and the Foolish Builders</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then I will tell them plainly</b><br>This phrase indicates a direct and unambiguous communication from Jesus. In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is addressing those who claim to follow Him but do not truly live according to His teachings. The use of "plainly" suggests a final and authoritative declaration, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. This reflects the biblical theme of divine judgment, where God’s truth is revealed clearly and unmistakably.<p><b>‘I never knew you’</b><br>The word "knew" in biblical terms often implies an intimate relationship, not just intellectual awareness. Jesus is emphasizing the lack of a genuine relationship with those He is addressing. This echoes the covenantal language found throughout Scripture, where knowing God involves a deep, personal connection (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/31-34.htm">Jeremiah 31:34</a>). It highlights the importance of a true relationship with Christ, beyond mere outward appearances or actions.<p><b>depart from Me</b><br>This command signifies a separation from the presence of Christ, which is the ultimate consequence of not being in a true relationship with Him. In biblical history, being cast out from God's presence is a severe punishment, as seen in the expulsion from the Garden of Eden (<a href="/genesis/3-23.htm">Genesis 3:23-24</a>). It underscores the gravity of spiritual separation and the eternal implications of rejecting Christ.<p><b>you workers of lawlessness!</b><br>"Workers of lawlessness" refers to those who act contrary to God's laws and commands. In the Jewish context, lawlessness was synonymous with sin and rebellion against God’s covenant. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of obedience versus disobedience, as seen in the Old Testament prophets who called out Israel for similar transgressions (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a>). It serves as a warning that mere verbal profession of faith is insufficient without a life that reflects God’s righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, Jesus is delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching in the New Testament.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/f/false_disciples.htm">False Disciples</a></b><br>Those who claim to follow Jesus but are ultimately rejected by Him for their lawlessness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sermon_on_the_mount.htm">Sermon on the Mount</a></b><br>The setting of this teaching, where Jesus addresses His followers and the crowds, providing guidance on righteous living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/true_relationship_with_christ.htm">True Relationship with Christ</a></b><br>Knowing Jesus is more than verbal confession; it requires a genuine relationship and obedience to His teachings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_lawlessness.htm">The Danger of Lawlessness</a></b><br>Lawlessness, or living contrary to God's commands, is a serious offense that leads to separation from Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Believers are called to examine their lives to ensure their faith is genuine and not merely superficial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Obedience to God's Word is a hallmark of true discipleship and a reflection of a transformed heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_consequences.htm">Eternal Consequences</a></b><br>The rejection by Christ in this verse underscores the eternal consequences of living a life of lawlessness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_a_statement_meaningful_without_proof.htm">Is sin equivalent to lawlessness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_sin_equivalent_to_lawlessness.htm">Is sin equivalent to lawlessness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_iniquity_mean.htm">What does iniquity mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'i_never_knew_you'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "I never knew you"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">Then will I profess unto them.</span>--The words form a remarkable complement to the promise, "Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven" (<a href="/matthew/10-32.htm" title="Whoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.">Matthew 10:32</a>). The confession there recognised is more than lip-homage, and implies the loyal service of obedience. And the condemnation is pronounced not on those who have wandered from the truth, but on those who have been "workers of iniquity," or, as the word more strictly means, "of lawlessness." The words remind us of those of <a href="/context/psalms/15-2.htm" title="He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.">Psalm 15:2-3</a>; <a href="/context/psalms/24-3.htm" title="Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?">Psalm 24:3-4</a>, and are, perhaps, a transfer of what David had spoken of his ideal of his earthly kingdom to that of the kingdom of heaven which the Christ had come to found.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23.</span> - (Cf. <a href="/luke/13-27.htm">Luke 13:27</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">And then will I profess unto them</span>. Openly in the face of all men (cf. <a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Matthew 10:32</a>). <span class="cmt_word">I never knew you</span>. Even when you did all these miracles. etc., I had not that personal knowledge of you which is only the result of heart-sympathy. There was never anything in common between you and me. Although this is, perhaps, the only example of this sense of <span class="greek">ἔγνων</span> in the synoptic Gospels, it is common in John. <span class="cmt_word">Depart from me</span>. The absence of recognition by Christ, though not represented as the cause, yet will involve departure from his presence (cf. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-9.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:9</a>). This clause reproduces verbally the LXX. of <a href="/psalms/6-8.htm">Psalm 6:8</a>, except in St. Matthew's word used for "depart" (<span class="greek">ἀποχωρεῖτε</span>), which gives more idea of distance in the removal than the word used in the psalm and in Luke (<span class="greek">ἀπόστητε</span>). <span class="cmt_word">Ye that work</span>. In full purpose and energy (<span class="greek">οἱ ἐργαζόμενοι</span>, cf. <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>), and that till this very moment. Iniquity. The assurance of the psalmist becomes the verdict of the Judge. Observe that at this, the end of his discourse, our Lord speaks not of sin generally (<span class="greek">τὴν ἁμαρτίαν</span>), but of lawlessness (<span class="greek">τὴν ἀνομίαν</span>). He has throughout been insisting upon obedience to the Law in its final meaning as essentially necessary for his followers (most recently ver. 12). So that instead of saying, "ye that work sin," he uses the correlative (<a href="/1_john/3-4.htm">1 John 3:4</a>), for sin is neglect of or opposition to the perfect Law of God in the three spheres that this regards - self, the world, God (cf. Bishop Westcott, on <a href="/1_john/3-4.htm">1 John 3:4</a>). It is, perhaps, more than a coincidence that in <a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a> we have again the collocation of the Lord knowing and of man's <span class="accented">departing</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> either from him or from sin (cf. especially the parallel <a href="/luke/13-27.htm">Luke 13:27</a>); <span class="accented">vide</span> Resch, 'Agrapha,' p. 207. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/7-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Then</span><br /><span class="grk">τότε</span> <span class="translit">(tote)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will tell them plainly,</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁμολογήσω</span> <span class="translit">(homologēsō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3670.htm">Strong's 3670: </a> </span><span class="str2">From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘I never knew</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔγνων</span> <span class="translit">(egnōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you;</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμᾶς</span> <span class="translit">(hymas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">depart</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποχωρεῖτε</span> <span class="translit">(apochōreite)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_672.htm">Strong's 672: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go away, depart, withdraw. From apo and choreo; to go away.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπ’</span> <span class="translit">(ap’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> </span><span class="str2">From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐμοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(emou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[you]</span><br /><span class="grk">οἱ</span> <span class="translit">(hoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">workers</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐργαζόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(ergazomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2038.htm">Strong's 2038: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, trade, perform, do, practice, commit, acquire by labor. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">of lawlessness!’</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνομίαν</span> <span class="translit">(anomian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_458.htm">Strong's 458: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lawlessness, iniquity, disobedience, sin. From anomos; illegality, i.e. Violation of law or wickedness.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/7-23.htm">Matthew 7:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/7-23.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 7:23 Then I will tell them 'I never (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/7-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 7:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 7:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>