Matthew 23:14

KJV

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.

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}.

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

Commentary

### 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](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), 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](/deuteronomy/10-18 "Deuteronomy 10:18 - God's Care for the Vulnerable")). 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](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus's Denunciation of Hypocrisy") 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](/matthew/15-8 "Matthew 15:8 - Hypocrisy of Lip Service")). 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Seek Justice, Defend the Oppressed") - "Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause."
* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure and Undefiled Religion") - "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](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given") - "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](/mark/12-40 "Mark 12:40 - Scribes Devouring Widows' Houses") and [Luke 20:47](/luke/20-47 "Luke 20:47 - Scribes Devouring Widows' Houses"), 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](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). 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](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). 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](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). 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](/matthew/25-31-46 "Matthew 25 - The Judgment of the Nations")), holding all accountable, especially those who neglected the "least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Whatever You Did for One of the Least")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.