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You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people&#8217s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. <a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you shut the door of the Kingdom of Heaven in people’s faces. You won’t go in yourselves, and you don’t let others enter either. <a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. <a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter. <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men. For you neither enter, nor even do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a> But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter it yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “But woe (judgment is coming) to you, [self-righteous] scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven in front of people; for you do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow those who are [in the process of] entering to do so. <a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> &#8220But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You lock up the kingdom of heaven from people. For you don&#8217t go in, and you don&#8217t allow those entering to go in. <a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter. <a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter. <a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "How horrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. You don't enter it yourselves, and you don't permit others to enter when they try. <a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You lock the door to the Kingdom of heaven in people's faces, but you yourselves don't go in, nor do you allow in those who are trying to enter! <a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> "How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door to the kingdom from heaven in people's faces. You don't go in yourselves, and you don't allow those who are trying to enter to go in. <a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a> "But woe to you, experts in the law and you Pharisees, hypocrites! You keep locking people out of the kingdom of heaven! For you neither enter nor permit those trying to enter to go in. <a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites. For you devour the houses of widows, and for show make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. <a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees! hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering, to go in. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But alas for you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you lock the door of the Kingdom of the Heavens against men; you yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow those to enter who are seeking to do so.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. <a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men, for you do not go in, nor do you permit those going in to enter. <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men. For you neither enter, nor even do you allow those who are entering to go in. <a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut up the reign of the heavens before men, for ye do not go in, nor those going in do ye suffer to enter. <a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye lock up the kingdom of the heavens before men: for ye come not in yourselves, neither those coming in, permit ye to come in.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men, for you yourselves do not enter in; and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then: Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you close the kingdom of heaven before men. For you yourselves do not enter, and those who are entering, you would not permit to enter. <a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the kingdom of heaven before human beings. You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter. [ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. For you do not go in yourselves, and when others are going in, you stop them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you embezzle the property of widows, with the pretense that you make long prayers; because of this you shall receive a greater judgment. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Woe to you Scribes and Pharisees, pretenders, who consume the houses of widows with offerings for your making of long prayers! Because of this you will receive greater judgment.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you eat up the houses of widows, and for a pretext make long prayers. For this reason, you shall receive the greater condemnation. <a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the kingdom of the heavens against the people: for you do not go in, neither do you permit those coming in to enter.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut up the kingdom of heaven from men; for ye yourselves enter not in, and those who were coming in, ye suffer not to enter. <a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "But alas for you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you lock the door of the Kingdom of the Heavens against men; you yourselves do not enter, nor do you allow those to enter who are seeking to do so. <a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye do not enter, neither do ye suffer those who are entering in to enter.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>But wo unto you scribes and pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, nor suffer those that are entering to go in.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/23-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6777" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a> …12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3759.htm" title="3759: Ouai (I) -- Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; woe.">Woe</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you,</a> <a href="/greek/1122.htm" title="1122: grammateis (N-VMP) -- From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.">scribes</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-VMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees,</a> <a href="/greek/5273.htm" title="5273: hypokritai (N-VMP) -- From hupokrinomai; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. a dissembler">you hypocrites!</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because."></a> <a href="/greek/2808.htm" title="2808: kleiete (V-PIA-2P) -- To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close.">You shut</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.">the</a> <a href="/greek/932.htm" title="932: basileian (N-AFS) -- From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.">kingdom</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3772.htm" title="3772: ouranōn (N-GMP) -- Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.">heaven</a> <a href="/greek/1715.htm" title="1715: emprosthen (Prep) -- From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time).">in men’s faces.</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">You yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiserchesthe (V-PIM/P-2P) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">do not enter,</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">nor</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphiete (V-PIA-2P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">will you let</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiselthein (V-ANA) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">those who</a> <a href="/greek/1525.htm" title="1525: eiserchomenous (V-PPM/P-AMP) -- To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter.">wish to enter.</a> …<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/11-52.htm">Luke 11:52</a> Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” <a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a> For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up. <a href="/romans/2-19.htm">Romans 2:19-20</a> if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, / an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— <a href="/jeremiah/23-1.htm">Jeremiah 23:1-2</a> “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. / Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says about the shepherds who tend My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your deeds, declares the LORD. <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Luke 20:46-47</a> “Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.” <a href="/ezekiel/34-2.htm">Ezekiel 34:2-10</a> “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? / You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. / You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. ... <a href="/mark/12-38.htm">Mark 12:38-40</a> In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, / and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. / They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.” <a href="/micah/3-5.htm">Micah 3:5-7</a> This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths: / Therefore night will come over you without visions, and darkness without divination. The sun will set on these prophets, and the daylight will turn black over them. / Then the seers will be ashamed and the diviners will be disgraced. They will all cover their mouths because there is no answer from God.” <a href="/luke/18-9.htm">Luke 18:9-14</a> To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ... <a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a> My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. <a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a> Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” <a href="/zechariah/11-17.htm">Zechariah 11:17</a> Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered and his right eye utterly blinded!” <a href="/john/9-39.htm">John 9:39-41</a> Then Jesus declared, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind may see and those who see may become blind.” / Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this, and they asked Him, “Are we blind too?” / “If you were blind,” Jesus replied, “you would not be guilty of sin. But since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Malachi 2:7-8</a> For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. / But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-13.htm">2 Corinthians 11:13-15</a> For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, neither suffer you them that are entering to go in.woe.<a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Matthew 23:14,15,27,29</a> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation… <a href="/isaiah/9-14.htm">Isaiah 9:14,15</a> Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day… <a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm">Isaiah 33:14</a> The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?for ye shut.<a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Matthew 21:31,32</a> Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you… <a href="/luke/11-52.htm">Luke 11:52</a> Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.<a href="/john/7-46.htm">John 7:46-52</a> The officers answered, Never man spake like this man… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Alas</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-28.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/matthew/13-4.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/matthew/7-14.htm">Door</a> <a href="/matthew/21-2.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/matthew/19-9.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/23-11.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/matthew/22-18.htm">Hypocrites</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/ezekiel/8-3.htm">Lock</a> <a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-10.htm">Pretense</a> <a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/matthew/21-46.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/matthew/19-14.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/matthew/23-2.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-22.htm">Widows</a> <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/matthew/20-22.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Alas</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Condemnation</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Devour</a> <a href="/matthew/24-33.htm">Door</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Entering</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Greater</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/matthew/24-29.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Houses</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Hypocrites</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-17.htm">Lock</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Pretense</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Scribes</a> <a href="/matthew/26-16.htm">Seeking</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Shut</a> <a href="/matthew/24-43.htm">Suffer</a> <a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Widows</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Woe</a> <a href="/matthew/23-14.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div>1. <a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/23.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/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! This phrase is a direct rebuke from Jesus to the religious leaders of His time. The term "woe" is a strong expression of judgment and lament. The scribes and Pharisees were influential Jewish leaders known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. However, Jesus calls them "hypocrites," indicating that their outward appearance of righteousness was not matched by their inner spiritual state. This critique aligns with Old Testament prophets like Isaiah, who condemned similar hypocrisy (<a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a>).You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. Here, Jesus accuses the religious leaders of obstructing access to God's kingdom. The "kingdom of heaven" refers to the reign and rule of God, which Jesus came to proclaim. By imposing burdensome legalistic requirements and focusing on human traditions, the scribes and Pharisees made it difficult for people to understand and enter into a genuine relationship with God. This echoes the criticism found in <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a>, where God desires justice, mercy, and humility rather than ritualistic observance.You yourselves do not enter, Despite their knowledge of the Scriptures and religious practices, the scribes and Pharisees failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and thus did not enter the kingdom themselves. Their spiritual blindness and pride prevented them from accepting the salvation that Jesus offered. This reflects the broader biblical theme of leaders who fail to lead their people toward God, as seen in <a href="/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34</a>, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for neglecting their flock.nor will you let in those who wish to enter. The religious leaders not only failed to enter the kingdom themselves but also hindered others from doing so. By promoting a distorted view of God's requirements, they discouraged sincere seekers from finding the truth. This obstruction is reminiscent of the false prophets in <a href="/jeremiah/23.htm">Jeremiah 23</a>, who led people astray with their misleading teachings. Jesus' critique underscores the responsibility of leaders to guide others toward God, a theme that is consistent throughout Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/scribes.htm">Scribes</a> Jewish scholars and teachers of the Law. They were responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> A religious and political group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They were influential in the synagogues and among the people. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing the religious leaders of His time. He is the central figure of the New Testament, the Messiah, and the Son of God. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kingdom_of_heaven.htm">Kingdom of Heaven</a> A central theme in Jesus' teaching, referring to God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. 5. <a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy.htm">Hypocrisy</a> The act of pretending to have beliefs, virtues, or feelings that one does not truly possess. Jesus accuses the scribes and Pharisees of this behavior.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_hypocrisy.htm">Understanding Hypocrisy</a> Hypocrisy is a serious sin that Jesus condemns. It involves a disconnect between outward actions and inward beliefs. We must examine our own lives to ensure our faith is genuine and not just for show. <a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leaders.htm">The Responsibility of Leaders</a> Religious leaders have a significant responsibility to guide others toward God, not away from Him. This calls for integrity and humility in leadership. <a href="/topical/a/access_to_the_kingdom.htm">Access to the Kingdom</a> Jesus highlights that access to the kingdom of heaven is not through legalistic adherence to rules but through genuine faith and relationship with God. <a href="/topical/s/self-reflection_and_repentance.htm">Self-Reflection and Repentance</a> We are called to reflect on our own lives and repent of any behaviors that might hinder others from coming to Christ. <a href="/topical/e/encouraging_others.htm">Encouraging Others</a> As believers, we should encourage and support others in their spiritual journey, helping them to find and enter the kingdom of heaven.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a> <a href="/q/are_christians_seen_as_hypocritical.htm">Are Christians often perceived as hypocritical?</a> <a href="/q/was_tyre_rebuilt_after_destruction.htm">What does it mean to be pharisaical?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_old_catholic_church.htm">Are you avoiding the behavior of hypocrites?</a> <a href="/q/did_jesus'_prophecy_match_history.htm">(Matthew 23:36) Did Jesus’ prophecy of impending judgment occur exactly as described, or does the historical record conflict with it?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Woe unto you.--We enter in these verses on the sternest words of condemnation that ever came from our Lord's lips; but it may be questioned whether our English "Woe unto you" does not exclude too entirely the element of sorrow, as well as indignation, of which the Greek interjection (as in <a href="/mark/13-17.htm" title="But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!">Mark 13:17</a>) is at least capable. Woe for you is, perhaps, a better rendering.Hypocrites.--See Note on <a href="/matthew/6-2.htm" title="Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.">Matthew 6:2</a>.Ye shut up the kingdom . . .--The words reproduce what had been said before as to "the key of knowledge" (<a href="/luke/11-52.htm" title="Woe to you, lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge: you entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in you hindered.">Luke 11:52</a>), the symbol which was given to each scribe on his admission to his office. Our Lord's charge against them is that the only use they made of the key was to lock the door. They did not enter into the inner meaning of Law or Prophets; they excluded (with a possible reference to their putting out of the synagogue those who believed in Jesus, <a href="/john/9-22.htm" title="These words spoke his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.">John 9:22</a>; <a href="/john/12-42.htm" title="Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:">John 12:42</a>) those who were so entering into the higher life and the higher teaching of the Kingdom. (Comp. <a href="/galatians/4-17.htm" title="They zealously affect you, but not well; yes, they would exclude you, that you might affect them.">Galatians 4:17</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 13-32. - Eight woes pronounced on the Pharisees for their conduct and teaching. (Comp. <a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42-52</a>.) Verse 13. - Some authorities transpose vers. 13 and 14 - a variation attributable to the circumstance that the commencing clauses are the same. As Christ inaugurated his public teaching by pronouncing eight benedictions in the sermon on the mount, so here he closes his ministry by imprecating or prophesying eight woes on the perverse and unbelieving Pharisees. In Lange's commentary there is proposed a scheme of antithesis between the benedictions and the woes, but it is not very successful, being often forced and unnatural; and it is better to regard the contrast in a general view, and not to attempt to press it in particulars. Jesus here pours forth his righteous anger on those whose obstinate infidelity was about to bring ruin on the Jewish city and nation. Woe unto you! (<a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Matthew 11:21</a>). These terrible "woes" are not only evoked by indignation, and pronounced as a solemn judgment, they are also expressive of the profoundest pity, and are prophetic of the future. They have, indeed, a twofold reference - they refer first to temporal judgments and visitations, now ready to fall; and secondly to the retribution in the eternal world. That the meek and lowly Jesus should utter such awful denunciations shows how greatly he was moved how he left nothing untried to turn these hard hearts to introspection and repentance. Scribes and Pharisees (see on ver. 2), hypocrites (<a href="/matthew/6-2.htm">Matthew 6:2</a>). Christ uses this word seven times in these denunciations. It is applied to the Pharisees as deceiving themselves and others, under the mask of godliness hiding polluted hearts, persuading themselves that formal externalism was real piety and devotion, and practically teaching this fatal delusion. Ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων: before men; ante homines (Vulgate. This is the first woe - against perverse obstructiveness. They prevent men from accepting Christ, and so entering God's kingdom, by their false interpretation of Scripture, by not allowing that it testified of Christ, and by making the path impassable for the poor and ignorant. And this is done "in the face of men," when they are, as it were, thronging round and wishing to enter. "Ye have taken away the key of knowledge," he says, in another place (<a href="/luke/11-52.htm">Luke 11:52</a>). Neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. The kingdom of heaven is here metaphorically regarded as a banqueting hall, where are celebrated the espousals of Christ and his Church. The Pharisees watched the access thereto. They stood at the door to bar all entrance. If any showed signs of yielding to honest conviction, they sternly forbade them to proceed; they repelled them with violence, as by excommunication (<a href="/john/9-22.htm">John 9:22, 34</a>), or by calumniating the Teacher (<a href="/matthew/9-34.htm">Matthew 9:34</a>, etc.). There was many a time when 34, people were ready to acknowledge Christ and to follow him as Messiah. A word from their authorized leaders would have turned the scale in his favour; but that word was never spoken. The weight of authority was always placed on the opposite side, and naught but prejudice, animosity, and slander befell the cause of Jesus. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Woe Οὐαὶ (Ouai) Interjection <a href="/greek/strongs_3759.htm">Strong's 3759: </a> Woe!, alas!, uttered in grief or denunciation. A primary exclamation of grief; 'woe'. to you, ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. scribes γραμματεῖς (grammateis) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1122.htm">Strong's 1122: </a> From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Pharisees, Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. you hypocrites! ὑποκριταί (hypokritai) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5273.htm">Strong's 5273: </a> From hupokrinomai; an actor under an assumed character, i.e. a dissembler You shut κλείετε (kleiete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2808.htm">Strong's 2808: </a> To shut, shut up. A primary verb; to close. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. kingdom βασιλείαν (basileian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_932.htm">Strong's 932: </a> From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm. of τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. heaven οὐρανῶν (ouranōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel. in men’s faces. ἔμπροσθεν (emprosthen) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1715.htm">Strong's 1715: </a> From en and pros; in front of (literally or figuratively) or time). You yourselves ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. do not enter, εἰσέρχεσθε (eiserchesthe) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. nor οὐδὲ (oude) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. will you let ἀφίετε (aphiete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. in εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. those who τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. wish to enter. εἰσερχομένους (eiserchomenous) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1525.htm">Strong's 1525: </a> To go in, come in, enter. From eis and erchomai; to enter. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/23-13.htm">Matthew 23:13 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:13 Woe to you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites! (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:14" /></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>