TRV
Translation
King James Version
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
KJV (with Strong's)
Woe G3759 unto you G5213, scribes G1122 and G2532 Pharisees G5330, hypocrites G5273! for G3754 ye compass G4013 sea G2281 and G2532 land G3584 to make G4160 one G1520 proselyte G4339, and G2532 when G3752 he is made G1096, ye make G4160 him G846 twofold more G1362 the child G5207 of hell G1067 than yourselves G5216.
Complete Jewish Bible
"Woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! You go about over land and sea to make one proselyte; and when you succeed, you make him twice as fit for Gei-Hinnom as you are!
Berean Standard Bible
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.
American Standard Version
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he is become so, ye make him twofold more a son of hell than yourselves.
World English Bible Messianic
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much of a son of Gehinnom as yourselves.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wo be vnto you, Scribes and Pharises, hypocrites: for ye compasse sea and land to make one of your profession: and when he is made, ye make him two folde more the childe of hell, then you your selues.
Young's Literal Translation
`Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye go round the sea and the dry land to make one proselyte, and whenever it may happen--ye make him a son of gehenna twofold more than yourselves.
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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
From this place we learn that there will be a difference of torment in hell, seeing one is here said to be singly a child of hell, another twofold. And we ought to consider here whether it is possible that a man should be generally a child of hell, as a Jew, suppose, or a Gentile, or whether specially so in consequence of some particular sins; that as a righteous man is increased in glory by the abundance of his righteousnesses, so a sinner's punishment is increased manifold by the number of his sins.
Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
That they compass sea and land signifies that throughout the whole world they shall be enemies of Christ's Gospel, and shall bring men under the yoke of the Law against the justification of faith. There were proselytes made into the Synagogue from among the Gentiles, the small number of whom is here denoted by what is said one proselyte. For after the preaching of Christ there was no faith left in their doctrine, but whoever was gained to the faith of the Jews became a child of hell.
And he becomes the child of a twofold punishment, because he has not obtained remission of his Gentile sins, and because he has joined the society of those who persecuted Christ.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
This the next charge against them is, that they are unequal to the salvation of many, seeing they need so much labour to bring one to salvation; and not only are they slack in conversion, but destroy even those whom they do convert, by corrupting them by example of evil life.
For a disciple imitates a virtuous master, but goes beyond a vicious one.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 73
After this, again another charge: "Ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves;" that is, not even the fact that hardly ye have taken him, and with endless toils, induces you to be sparing towards him, although of the things we have hardly acquired, we are more sparing, but you not even this renders more gentle.
Here He lays to their charge two things; one, that they are unprofitable for the salvation of the many, and need much toil in order to win over even one; another, that they were remiss in the preservation of him whom they had gained, or rather that they were not only careless, but even traitors, by their wickedness in their life corrupting him, and making him worse. For when the disciple sees his teachers to be such as these, he becomes worse than they. For he stops not at his teacher's wickedness; but as when his teacher is virtuous, he imitates him, so when he is bad, he even goes beyond him, by reason of our proneness to what is evil.
And He calls him "a child of hell," that is, a very hell. And He said "twofold more than you," that He might both alarm those, and make these feel the more severely, because they are teachers of wickedness. And not this only, but because they labor to instill into their disciples a greater wickedness, hardening them to a much greater depravity than they have, and this is above all a mark of a depraved soul.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 15.) Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel over sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. We do not serve with the same zeal with which we seek. Scribes and Pharisees, while traversing the whole world for the sake of gains or different profits to be sought both by attracting disciples and by the image of holiness, they had the intention to make a proselyte, that is, a stranger and uncircumcised, mix with the people of God. But he, who before, while he was an ethnick, simply wandered, and was once the son of Gehenna, seeing the vices of the masters, and understanding to destroy them by works, what they were teaching by words, returns to his vomit: and becoming a gentile, as if a transgressor, he will be worthy of a greater punishment. But he is called the son of Gehenna, just as the son of perdition, and the son of this age. For each one is called the son of him whose works he does.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or otherwise; The Scribes and Pharisees compassed the whole world to make proselytes of the Gentiles, that is, to mix the uncircumcised stranger with the people of God.
Or, because before while he was a Gentile he erred in ignorance, and was only a child of hell; but seeing the vices of his masters, and understanding that they destroyed in their actions what they taught in words, he returns to his vomit, and becoming a Gentile, he is worthy of greater punishment as one that has deserted his cause.
He is called a child of hell in the same way as one is said to be a child of perdition, and a child of this world; every man is called the son of him whose works he does.
JeromeAD 420
COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.23.15
The scribes and the Pharisees were reviewing the whole world on account of the business and diverse profits taken by their disciples. These profits were taken under the pretense of sanctity.
Augustine of Hippo (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 430
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(cont. Faust. xvi. 29. et cf. cont. Adimant. 16.) This He said not because proselytes were circumcised, but because they imitated the lives of those from following whom He had prohibited His disciples, saying, Do ye not after their works. Two things are observable in this command; first, the honour shown to Moses' teaching, (Matt. 23:3.) that even wicked men when sitting in his seat are compelled to teach good things; and that the proselyte is made a child of hell, not by hearing the words of the Law, but by following their doings. And twofold more than they for this reason, that he neglects to fulfil what he had undertaken of his own choice, having been not born a Jew, but of free will become a Jew.
Pseudo-Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 500
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
And that not of compassion from desire to save him whom they taught, but either from covetousness, that the greater number of worshippers might increase the number of offerings made in sacrifice, or out of vain glory. For he who sinks himself in a slough of sins, how should he be desirous to rescue another out of them? Will a man be more merciful to another than to himself? By a man's actions therefore it may be known whether he seeks another's conversion for God's sake, or out of vain glory.
Or, because while he was a worshipper of idols, he observed righteousness even because of men; but when he became a Jew, prompted by the example of evil teachers, he became worse than his teachers.
Gregory the Dialogist (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 604
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Mor. xxxi. 9.) But forasmuch as hypocrites though they do ever crooked things, yet cease not to speak right things, and thus by their good instructions beget sons, but are not able to bring them up by good life, but the more they give themselves up to worldly works, the more willingly do they suffer those whom they have begotten to work the same. And because their hearts are hardened, these very sons whom they have begotten they do not own by any sign of the affection due. Wherefore it is here said of the hypocrites, And when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Theophylact of OhridAD 1107
. Not only, He says, do you corrupt the Jews, but also those who come to the Jewish religion from idolatry. These were called "proselytes." You are eager to convert someone to the Jewish way of life and to circumcision; but when they Judaize, they perish, corrupted by your wickedness. A "son of gehenna" means he who deserves gehenna and stands so close to it by disposition that he is kindled by its flames.
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(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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SUMMARY
Matthew 23:15 records one of Jesus' most scathing condemnations against the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their profound hypocrisy and misdirected religious fervor. He denounces their zealous efforts to convert Gentiles to Judaism, revealing that their teaching and influence pervert true spiritual transformation, ultimately leading their converts to a state of spiritual ruin even worse than their own. This "woe" highlights the grave danger of religious activity devoid of genuine righteousness and love for God.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is an integral part of Jesus' series of seven "woes" (or denunciation's) against the scribes and Pharisees, recorded in Matthew chapter 23. Preceding this verse, Jesus has already condemned them for shutting off the kingdom of heaven from people and for their covetousness disguised as piety (Matthew 23:13-14). Following this particular woe, Jesus continues to expose their spiritual blindness regarding oaths, tithing, and their outward cleanliness contrasting with inward corruption (Matthew 23:16-28). This entire chapter serves as a climactic public indictment of the religious establishment, delivered shortly before Jesus' passion, underscoring the stark contrast between their legalistic system and the true kingdom values He proclaimed.
Historical & Cultural Context: The scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for its interpretation and teaching, while the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious party known for their strict adherence to both written and oral traditions, seeking to live lives of ritual purity and legalistic righteousness. During this period, Judaism actively sought proselytes, particularly from among the Gentiles who were attracted to monotheism and Jewish ethical standards. This proselytizing zeal involved extensive travel ("compass sea and land") to gain converts, who would undergo circumcision (for males), ritual immersion, and commit to observing the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions. Jesus' critique here is not against proselytizing itself, but against the nature of the discipleship offered by the Pharisees, which, rather than leading to genuine repentance and a heart-relationship with God, led to a more burdensome and spiritually deadening legalism.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of Hypocrisy, as Jesus repeatedly exposes the chasm between the Pharisees' outward religious performance and their inward spiritual corruption. Their "zeal" is shown to be misguided, serving their own reputation and system rather than God's glory or the spiritual well-being of others. It also highlights the theme of False Teaching and Spiritual Blindness, as their instruction leads people away from true righteousness and into a deeper state of condemnation, contrasting sharply with Jesus' call to true discipleship and the narrow path to life. Finally, the "woe" itself functions as a declaration of Divine Judgment, emphasizing the severe consequences for those who obstruct God's kingdom and lead others astray, a theme that culminates in Jesus' pronouncements about the end times and final judgment.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Matthew 23:15 is rich in Hyperbole and Irony. The phrase "compass sea and land" is a vivid hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme lengths to which the Pharisees would go for a single convert, underscoring their relentless zeal. The profound Irony lies in the outcome: their intense efforts, ostensibly for God, lead to a result diametrically opposed to divine will, producing individuals "twofold more the child of hell." This is a tragic reversal of purpose. The phrase "child of hell" is a powerful Metaphor (specifically, a Hebrew idiom of filiation, where "son of X" means "one characterized by X" or "destined for X"). It vividly portrays the spiritual state and ultimate destiny of those who embrace the Pharisees' perverted form of religion, highlighting their profound spiritual corruption and condemnation. The entire "woe" functions as a Denunciation, a formal and severe public condemnation, characteristic of prophetic speech.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reveals the danger of religious zeal without divine truth and genuine spiritual transformation. It underscores that outward religious activity, even intense missionary effort, can be spiritually destructive if it is not rooted in God's genuine righteousness and grace. The Pharisees, in their pursuit of converts to their legalistic system, effectively led people further from God rather than closer to Him, demonstrating that a focus on human traditions and self-righteousness, rather than the true heart of God's law, leads to condemnation. This stands in stark contrast to the true nature of conversion and discipleship, which should lead to life and salvation through faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:15 serves as a profound warning for all who engage in religious activity, particularly those in leadership or evangelism. It compels us to rigorously examine the motivation behind our zeal: Is it a genuine love for God and others, or is it tainted by self-righteousness, a desire for control, or adherence to human systems? True discipleship, in contrast to the Pharisees' model, involves leading people to an authentic, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by inner transformation, grace, and love, rather than merely external conformity or burdensome rules. We must be vigilant against teachings that, despite outward appearances of piety or success, ultimately lead people away from the simplicity and power of the Gospel of grace and into legalism or spiritual bondage. Our aim should always be to make disciples who are truly children of God, reflecting His character and kingdom values.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Jesus mean by "twofold more the child of hell"?
Answer: Jesus is not implying that the converts were literally twice as evil as the Pharisees. Instead, the phrase "twofold more the child of hell" (Greek, _diploûs huiós Geennēs'_) is a powerful indictment indicating that the Pharisees' teaching and influence led their converts into an even deeper state of spiritual condemnation and ruin than the teachers themselves. This could be because the converts, in their zeal as new adherents, adopted the Pharisees' legalism and self-righteousness with an even greater fanaticism, becoming more entrenched in a system that led away from God's grace. They might have embraced the external rituals and traditions more rigidly, without any genuine internal change, thus becoming more spiritually hardened and lost than their already hypocritical mentors. This outcome stands in stark contrast to the true purpose of discipleship.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:15, with its stark portrayal of the Pharisees' destructive proselytizing, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' own mission and the nature of the Kingdom He inaugurated. While the Pharisees created "children of hell" through a legalistic system, Jesus came to make "children of God" through grace and truth. He is the ultimate "proselyte-maker" in the truest sense, drawing people from every nation not to a burdensome set of rules, but into a life-giving relationship with the Father. Unlike the Pharisees who shut off the kingdom, Jesus is the door to the sheep and the way, the truth, and the life. His Great Commission calls believers to make disciples of all nations, not by imposing external burdens, but by teaching them to obey all that He commanded, which is rooted in love for God and neighbor. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus offers genuine spiritual transformation, forgiving sins and imparting new life, effectively turning those who were once children of wrath into heirs of eternal life and co-heirs with Christ. His mission reverses the spiritual ruin caused by false teachers, offering true freedom and adoption into God's family.