Matthew 23:13

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.

But {G1161} woe {G3759} unto you {G5213}, scribes {G1122} and {G2532} Pharisees {G5330}, hypocrites {G5273}! for {G3754} ye shut up {G2808} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} against {G1715} men {G444}: for {G1063} ye {G5210} neither {G3761} go in {G1525} yourselves, neither {G3756} suffer ye {G863} them that are entering {G1525} to go in {G1525}.

"But woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! For you are shutting the Kingdom of Heaven in people's faces, neither entering yourselves nor allowing those who wish to enter to do so.

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.

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.

Commentary

Matthew 23:13 introduces the first of seven "woes" pronounced by Jesus against the scribes and Pharisees, representing a powerful condemnation of their religious hypocrisy and spiritual malpractice. This verse highlights their severe failure as spiritual guides, accusing them of actively hindering people from entering the "kingdom of heaven."

Context

This verse is found within Jesus' final public discourse in Jerusalem, leading up to His crucifixion. In Matthew 23, Jesus directly confronts the religious establishment of His day—the scribes (experts in the Mosaic Law) and the Pharisees (a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to tradition and the Law). Despite their esteemed positions and outward show of piety, Jesus exposes their inner corruption and misguidance. This particular "woe" sets the tone for the subsequent pronouncements, revealing the core issue of their leadership: they were not only spiritually bankrupt themselves but also prevented others from finding true spiritual life.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy Unveiled: The most prominent theme is the blatant hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus labels them "hypocrites" (Greek: hupokrites), a term originally referring to an actor wearing a mask. This implies they presented a false outward appearance of righteousness while their hearts were far from God. Their actions contradicted their claims, embodying a severe spiritual deception.
  • Exclusion from the Kingdom: The core accusation is that they "shut up the kingdom of heaven against men." This means they obstructed access to God's saving reign and spiritual blessings. They did this in two ways:
    • Personal Rejection: They "neither go in [yourselves]," indicating their own refusal to accept Jesus' message of repentance and faith, which is the true path to the kingdom. Their rigid legalism and self-righteousness blinded them to spiritual truth.
    • Hindering Others: They "neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." Through their burdensome interpretations of the Law, their emphasis on outward rituals over inward transformation, and their opposition to Jesus, they created barriers that discouraged or prevented sincere seekers from embracing the kingdom's true nature. They essentially locked the door to salvation and threw away the key, as seen in Luke 11:52.
  • Spiritual Leadership Failure: As teachers and guides, their primary responsibility was to lead people to God. Instead, they became stumbling blocks, highlighting the severe consequences of corrupt religious leadership.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Woe" (Greek: ouai): This is a powerful exclamation in Greek, not simply an expression of sorrow but a pronouncement of impending judgment, a lamentation over a terrible fate, or a severe warning. It underscores the gravity of their spiritual condition and the divine condemnation upon their actions.
  • "Hypocrites" (Greek: hupokrites): As mentioned, this word literally means "an actor" or "one who answers from behind a mask." It perfectly captures the essence of their pretense—their outward show of piety that concealed a corrupt heart.
  • "Kingdom of Heaven": Often used interchangeably with "Kingdom of God" in Matthew, it refers to God's sovereign rule and saving activity, which is both a present reality (through Christ's presence and teaching) and a future hope (in its full consummation). The Pharisees were obstructing access to this spiritual reality.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against religious hypocrisy and the dangers of spiritual leadership that misleads rather than guides. It calls all believers to:

  • Examine Our Own Hearts: We must ensure our faith is genuine and not merely an outward show. True spirituality involves an internal transformation, not just external adherence to rules or traditions. Jesus' call for genuine faith is echoed in Matthew 6:1.
  • Beware of Hindering Others: We must be careful not to create unnecessary barriers or burdens that prevent others from coming to Christ or understanding the simplicity of the gospel. Our actions and teachings should always point people towards God, not away from Him.
  • Seek True Entry: The "kingdom of heaven" is entered through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and a transformed life, highlighting the essential nature of true spiritual entry into God's reign. This verse reminds us that outward religious observance without inward spiritual reality is futile and dangerous.

Matthew 23:13 profoundly challenges us to live with integrity, ensuring our faith is authentic and our lives reflect the true spirit of God's kingdom.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 11:52 (17 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 23:29 (8 votes)

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

  • Zechariah 11:17 (7 votes)

    Woe to the idol shepherd that leaveth the flock! the sword [shall be] upon his arm, and upon his right eye: his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.

  • Matthew 23:23 (7 votes)

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

  • Matthew 23:27 (7 votes)

    Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

  • Acts 8:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

  • 2 Timothy 4:15 (5 votes)

    Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.