What number verse is Matthew 23:14 in the Bible?

Matthew 23:14 is the 23,933rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Matthew 23:14 sits at position 23,933.

Translation

King James Version

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.

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KJV (with Strong's)

Woe ^G3759 unto you ^G5213, scribes ^G1122 and ^G2532 Pharisees ^G5330, hypocrites ^G5273! for ^G3754 ye devour ^G2719 widows ^G5503' houses ^G3614, and ^G2532 for a pretence ^G4392 make ^G4336 long ^G3117 prayer ^G4336: therefore ^{G1223 G5124} ye shall receive ^G2983 the greater ^G4055 damnation ^G2917.

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Complete Jewish Bible

Woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! For you swallow up widow's houses while making a show of davvening at great length. Because of this your punishment will be all the worse

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Berean Standard Bible

Not present in the manuscripts this translation follows.

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American Standard Version

Not present in the manuscripts this translation follows.

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World English Bible Messianic

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for you don’t enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

Wo be vnto you, Scribes and Pharises, hypocrites: for ye deuoure widowes houses, euen vnder a colour of long prayers: wherefore ye shall receiue the greater damnation.

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Young's Literal Translation

`Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye eat up the houses of the widows, and for a pretence make long prayers, because of this ye shall receive more abundant judgment.

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In the KJVVerse 23,933 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Matthew 23:14 delivers one of Jesus's most searing condemnations against the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their profound hypocrisy and predatory exploitation. This "woe" denounces their practice of seizing the property of vulnerable widows while simultaneously maintaining a public facade of deep piety through ostentatious, lengthy prayers. Jesus declares that such egregious spiritual abuse and avarice will result in a more severe divine judgment, highlighting God's righteous indignation against those who pervert religion for selfish gain and harm the defenseless.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within the broader discourse of Matthew 23, a chapter almost entirely dedicated to Jesus's public denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. Following His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and intense confrontations in the temple, Jesus delivers a series of seven (or eight, depending on textual variants) "woes" that systematically dismantle the religious authority and moral integrity of these leaders. Each "woe" begins with a similar condemnatory phrase, highlighting a specific aspect of their spiritual bankruptcy. Verse 14, though omitted in some later manuscripts due to textual transmission complexities, is present in significant early texts and aligns perfectly with the chapter's overarching theme of exposing the leaders' hypocrisy, self-exaltation, and obstruction of true faith. It immediately follows Jesus's critique of their love for honorific titles and precedes further woes concerning their proselytizing for personal gain and their distorted oaths.
Historical & Cultural Context: The scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for interpreting and teaching it, while the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to both written and oral traditions. Both groups held significant religious and social influence among the Jewish people. In ancient Jewish society, widows were particularly vulnerable, often lacking male protectors or independent means of support, making them susceptible to exploitation. The Mosaic Law, in contrast, repeatedly emphasized the protection and care of widows, orphans, and sojourners (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:18). The practice of making "long prayers" was often associated with public displays of piety, intended to impress onlookers with one's devotion. Some religious leaders might have acted as trustees for widows' estates or offered legal counsel, creating opportunities for financial manipulation under the guise of spiritual guidance or charitable administration.
Key Themes: Matthew 23 is saturated with the theme of religious hypocrisy, which is central to verse 14. The scribes and Pharisees are depicted as masters of outward show, meticulously observing rituals and traditions while their hearts are far from God, as Jesus often pointed out (e.g., Matthew 15:8). Another prominent theme is the abuse of authority and trust. These leaders, entrusted with guiding the people in God's ways, instead used their positions for personal gain, particularly at the expense of the most vulnerable, directly contradicting the spirit of the Law. The verse also underscores the theme of divine judgment, emphasizing that God holds those in positions of spiritual leadership to a higher standard, and their perversion of justice will incur a "greater damnation." This aligns with broader biblical teachings on accountability, especially for those who lead God's people astray, a warning echoed throughout prophetic literature and the New Testament.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Woe (Greek, ouaí', G3759): This is not merely an expression of sorrow or pity, but a solemn pronouncement of impending judgment, a lament of doom. It carries the weight of a curse or a severe denunciation, indicating God's displeasure and the dire consequences awaiting those targeted. In this context, it signals Jesus's authoritative declaration of condemnation against the scribes and Pharisees.
hypocrites (Greek, hypokritḗs', G5273): Derived from the Greek word for an actor or stage-player, this term vividly describes someone who wears a mask or assumes a false character. Jesus uses it to expose the scribes and Pharisees as those who outwardly feign piety and righteousness to deceive others, while their inner motives and actions are corrupt and self-serving. Their religious acts are a performance, not genuine devotion.
devour (Greek, katesthíō', G2719): This strong verb literally means "to eat down" or "to consume completely." It conveys a sense of rapacious, predatory consumption, like an animal devouring its prey. In a figurative sense, as used here, it powerfully depicts the scribes and Pharisees' ruthless and complete exploitation of widows' resources, stripping them bare of their homes and livelihoods.
damnation (Greek, kríma', G4055): This term refers to a decision, a judgment, or a sentence, which can be either for or against someone. In this context, it signifies a negative, condemnatory judgment. The addition of "greater" (G4055, perissóteros) emphasizes that the judgment awaiting these religious leaders will be more severe than that for ordinary sinners, precisely because they abused their spiritual authority and betrayed sacred trust.

Verse Breakdown

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!": Jesus initiates this pronouncement with a powerful declaration of judgment, directly addressing the religious leaders. By calling them "hypocrites," He unmasks their deceptive nature, revealing that their outward show of piety conceals inner corruption and a lack of genuine faith. This sets the tone for the entire denunciation.
"for ye devour widows' houses,": This clause exposes the specific, egregious sin of financial exploitation. "Devouring houses" is a vivid metaphor for ruthlessly seizing or consuming the property and assets of vulnerable widows. This action directly contradicts the Mosaic Law's repeated commands to protect and care for the defenseless, revealing the leaders' avarice and cruelty.
"and for a pretence make long prayer:": Here, Jesus highlights the deceptive nature of their religious practices. Their "long prayers" were not born of sincere devotion but were a "pretence"—an outward show or excuse (G4392, próphasis) designed to impress others and mask their exploitative schemes. This reveals the deep spiritual corruption at the heart of their religious performance.
"therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.": This final clause declares the inevitable consequence of their actions. Because of their profound hypocrisy and exploitation, particularly of the most vulnerable, they will face a "greater damnation" or more severe judgment from God. This underscores the principle of divine justice, where those who abuse positions of spiritual authority and betray trust will incur a heavier penalty.

Literary Devices

Matthew 23:14 is rich with denunciation and condemnation, expressed through the opening "Woe," which acts as a prophetic lament and a declaration of impending judgment. The phrase "ye devour widows' houses" employs powerful metaphor and hyperbole. "Devour" (G2719, katesthíō) is a metaphor for rapacious exploitation, painting a vivid picture of these leaders consuming the very substance of the vulnerable. The extent of this "devouring" is likely hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme nature of their greed and the complete ruin they brought upon the widows. There is profound irony in the juxtaposition of "devouring widows' houses" with "making long prayer for a pretence." Their religious acts, meant to signify piety, are revealed as a deceptive cover for their avarice, highlighting the stark contrast between their outward appearance and inner corruption. The term "hypocrites" (G5273, hypokritḗs) itself is a metaphor comparing them to actors, emphasizing their inauthenticity and dissimulation.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Matthew 23:14 powerfully articulates God's abhorrence of religious hypocrisy and the exploitation of the vulnerable, particularly by those in positions of spiritual authority. It underscores the biblical truth that true righteousness is not found in outward displays or ritualistic performance, but in a heart transformed by God that expresses genuine love, justice, and compassion. The "greater damnation" highlights the principle of increased accountability for those who are entrusted with spiritual leadership and who, instead of leading people to God, use their influence to harm and deceive. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the perversion of faith for personal gain and a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed.

Isaiah 1:17 - "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."
James 1:27 - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."
Luke 12:48 - "But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Matthew 23:14 compels us to a profound self-examination, urging us to look beyond superficial religious observance to the true condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to consider whether our spiritual practices are genuine expressions of devotion to God and love for others, or merely a "pretence" designed to impress or conceal selfish motives. The harsh condemnation of exploiting widows serves as a stark reminder of God's deep concern for the marginalized and vulnerable in society. True faith is active in compassion and justice, not in accumulating wealth or prestige through deceit. This verse calls us to embody integrity in all areas of life, especially in our spiritual walk, and to actively defend and care for those who are easily taken advantage of, reflecting the very heart of God. It also serves as a sobering warning to those in leadership positions, reminding them of the immense responsibility they bear and the severe consequences of abusing their authority for personal gain.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways might I, or my community, be tempted to prioritize outward religious appearance over genuine inner transformation and compassionate action?
How can I actively identify and advocate for the vulnerable and exploited in my own community or sphere of influence?
What does "greater damnation" imply about God's justice, particularly for those who abuse spiritual authority, and how should this shape my understanding of accountability?

FAQ

Was Matthew 23:14 truly part of the original Gospel of Matthew, or was it added later?

Answer: While Matthew 23:14 is present in the King James Version and many significant early manuscripts (such as the Textus Receptus and the Byzantine text type), it is omitted in some of the oldest and most influential Greek manuscripts (like Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus). Many modern critical editions of the Greek New Testament and subsequent English translations (e.g., NIV, ESV, NASB) therefore omit it or place it in footnotes or brackets, indicating its uncertain textual status. It is highly similar to Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47, suggesting that if not original to Matthew, it was likely a scribal insertion from one of the parallel Synoptic accounts to create a more complete "woe" series in Matthew. Regardless of its precise textual origin in Matthew, the sentiment and condemnation expressed are entirely consistent with Jesus's teachings on hypocrisy and exploitation found elsewhere in the Gospels.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Matthew 23:14, with its scathing indictment of hypocrisy and exploitation, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment not only in Jesus's prophetic role as the one who exposes sin, but also in His embodiment of true righteousness and His ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Jesus, unlike the Pharisees, did not come to "devour widows' houses" but to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). He consistently championed the marginalized and vulnerable, demonstrating genuine compassion for the poor, the sick, and the outcast, in stark contrast to the religious leaders who burdened them (Matthew 11:28-30). Furthermore, Jesus's own life was devoid of "pretence"; He lived in perfect integrity, His words and actions always aligning with the will of His Father (John 8:29). The "greater damnation" pronounced upon the hypocrites foreshadows Christ's ultimate role as the righteous Judge, who will separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), holding all accountable, especially those who neglected the "least of these" (Matthew 25:40). Thus, Jesus fulfills the demand for true righteousness, offers the only escape from damnation through His atoning work, and stands as the standard by which all religious claims and actions will be judged.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.

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Origen of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 253

Catena Aurea by Aquinas

The Pharisees and the Scribes then would neither enter in, nor hear Him who said, By me if any man enter in he shall be saved; (John 10:9.) nor would they suffer those to enter in, who were able to have believed through the things which had been spoken before by the Law and the Prophets concerning Christ, but shut up the door with every kind of device to deter men from entering. Also they detracted from His teaching, denied all prophecy concerning Him, and blasphemed every miracle as deceitful, or wrought by the Devil. All who in their evil conversation set an example of sinning to the people, and who commit injustice, offending the weak, seem to shut up the kingdom of heaven before men. And this sin is found among the people, and chiefly among the doctors, when they teach men what the Gospel righteousness requires of them, but do not what they teach. But those who both teach and live well open to men the kingdom of heaven, and both enter in themselves, and invite others to enter in. Many also will not suffer those who are willing to enter into the kingdom of heaven, when they without reason excommunicate out of jealousy others who are better than themselves; thus they refuse them entrance, but these of sober spirit, overcoming by their patience this tyranny, although forbidden, yet enter in and inherit the kingdom. Also they who with much rashness have set themselves to the profession of teaching before they have learned, and following Jewish fables, detract from those who search out the higher things of Scripture; these do, as far as in them lies, shut out men from the kingdom of heaven.

Hilary of PoitiersAD 367

Commentary on Matthew 24.4

These are the poisoners of truth. They are reluctant to undertake the salvation of others. They bolt shut the kingdom of heaven. In their ambition they “devour widows’ houses and for pretense make long prayers.” By this acquaintance with heaven (achieved with those long prayers), they expect they will persevere in the merits of grace quietly, just as a rich person expects to receive the treasure stored up for him. However, they will receive ample judgment and punishment for their particular sins. They will be called to account for their strange and ignorant practices.

Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367

Catena Aurea by Aquinas

Or, because their observance of the kingdom of heaven proceeds hence, that they may keep up their practice of going about to widows' houses, they shall therefore receive the heavier judgment, as having their own sin and the ignorance of others to answer for.

John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407

Catena Aurea by Aquinas

(Hom. lxxiii.) Next the Lord rebukes them for their gluttony, and what was the worst, that not from the rich but from widows they took wherewith to fill their bellies, thus burdening the poverty of those whom they should have relieved.

The manner of this plundering is grievous, for they make long prayers. Every one who does evil deserves punishment; but he who takes occasion for his offence from religion, deserves more severe punishment; Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

John ChrysostomAD 407

Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 73

"Woe unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: therefore ye shall receive greater damnation."

After this, next He derides them for gluttony: and the grievous thing was, that not from rich men's goods, but from the poor they indulged their own belly, and aggravated their poverty, which they should have relieved. For neither did they merely eat, but devoured.

Moreover also the manner of their overreaching was yet more grievous, "for a pretense making long prayers."

For every one is worthy of vengeance who doeth any evil thing; but he that is deriving even the reason for so doing from godliness, and is using this cloke for his wickedness, is justly liable to a far more grievous punishment. And wherefore did He not depose them? Because the time suffered it not as yet. So therefore He lets them alone for a time, but by His sayings, He secures that the people be not deceived, lest, through the dignity of those men, they be drawn on to the same emulation.

For as He had said, "Whatsoever they bid you do, that do;" He shows how many things they do amiss, lest from thence He should be supposed amongst the unwise to commit all to them.

JeromeAD 420

Commentary on Matthew

(Ver. 13, 14.) 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. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive the greater condemnation. The scribes and Pharisees have knowledge of the Law and the Prophets, and they know that Christ is the Son of God; they are not ignorant that He was born of a Virgin. But while they seek to prey on the subject people, they themselves do not enter the kingdom of heaven, nor do they allow those who could enter to do so. This is what the Prophet Hosea accuses: The priests have hidden the way, they have murdered Shechem (Hosea 6:9). And again: The priests have not said, 'Where is the Lord?' (Hosea 4). Indeed, every teacher who scandalizes his disciples with evil deeds shuts the kingdom of heaven before them.

Pseudo-Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 500

Catena Aurea by Aquinas

The female sex is imprudent, as not contemplating with reason all that it sees or hears; and weak, as being easily turned either from bad to good, or from good to bad. The male sex is more prudent and hardy. And therefore pretenders to holiness practise most upon women, who are unable to see their hypocrisy, and are easily inclined to love them on the ground of religion. But widows they chiefly choose to attempt; first, because a woman who has her husband to advise her is not so readily deceived; and secondly, she has not the means of giving, being in the power of her husband. The Lord then, whilst He confounds the Jewish Priests, instructs the Christian that they should not frequent widows rather than others, for though their purpose may not be bad, it gives occasion to suspicions.

First, for that ye are wicked, and then because ye put on the cloak of sanctity. Your covetousness you dress up in the colour of religion, and use God's arms in the Devil's service, that iniquity may be loved while it is thought to be piety.

Theophylact of OhridAD 1107

He calls them hypocrites for professing piety and doing nothing worthy of what they profess, but instead, they would make pretence of long prayer and would devour the widows’ means. Indeed they were mockers who deceived the simple and like leeches sucked them dry. "Therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation" because you have devoured everything the widows have, when instead you should have provided for them and relieved their poverty. There is yet another reason why their condemnation will be greater: they prayed pretending to do good while they were in fact doing something evil, that is, devouring the widows’ means. For he who lures another into harm by pretending to be good deserves the greatest punishment.

Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274

Catena Aurea by Aquinas

(interlin.) Devour widows' houses, that is, your superstitions have this only aim, namely, to make a gain of the people that is put under you.

(interlin. Luke 12:47.) Or, because the servant that knew his Lord's will and did it not, shall he beaten with many stripes.

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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