Matthew 7:23

KJV

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} then {G5119} will I profess {G3670} unto them {G846},{G3754} I never {G3763} knew {G1097} you {G5209}: depart {G672} from {G575} me {G1700}, ye that work {G2038} iniquity {G458}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will tell them to their faces, `I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!'

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’

American Standard Version

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:23 delivers a profoundly solemn and climactic warning from Jesus Christ at the conclusion of His Sermon on the Mount. This verse unveils the ultimate rejection of those who, despite outward religious fervor or miraculous deeds performed in His name, never possessed a genuine, intimate, and obedient relationship with Him. It underscores that true discipleship is not merely about verbal profession or outward works, but about being truly known by Christ through a life aligned with the Father's will, contrasting superficial religiosity with authentic, saving faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pronouncement serves as the stark culmination of Jesus' teaching on spiritual discernment and the nature of true discipleship in [Matthew 7](/matthew/7 "Matthew 7 - Discipleship and Warnings"). Immediately preceding this verse, Jesus warns against false prophets, emphasizing that they are known "by their fruits" ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Discerning False Prophets")). He then clarifies that mere verbal acknowledgment ("Lord, Lord") is insufficient for entry into the kingdom of heaven; rather, it is "he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" who will enter ([Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Father's Will")). The verse directly before, [Matthew 7:22](/matthew/7-22 "Matthew 7:22 - The Day of Judgment"), describes a future scenario where many will claim impressive spiritual accomplishments—prophesying, casting out demons, and performing wonders in Jesus' name—only to be met with the shocking declaration of rejection found in [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - The Ultimate Rejection"). This sequence builds a powerful argument for the necessity of genuine obedience and relationship over outward religious performance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, a prophet or miracle worker held significant authority and prestige. People often flocked to those who performed signs and wonders, viewing them as divinely sanctioned. The idea of "knowing" someone in the biblical sense, particularly in a covenantal context, implied a deep, personal, and reciprocal relationship, not just intellectual acquaintance. For a teacher or prophet to say, "I never knew you," to individuals who believed they were serving him, would have been a devastating and culturally shocking repudiation. This context highlights the profound implications of Jesus' words: He is not merely a prophet but the ultimate Judge, and His "knowledge" of an individual signifies a saving, covenantal relationship, distinct from any outward display of power or religious activity. The emphasis on "doing the will of my Father" also resonates with the Old Testament emphasis on obedience to the Mosaic Law as a sign of covenant faithfulness, which Jesus reinterprets and fulfills.

* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - The Ultimate Rejection") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Sermon on the Mount and the broader book of Matthew. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **True Discipleship vs. False Profession**, sharply distinguishing between outward religious performance and an authentic, transformative relationship with Christ. It emphasizes that genuine faith is not merely verbal or ritualistic, but evidenced by a life of obedience to God's will, as highlighted in [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Father's Will"). Secondly, it reveals the **Nature of Final Judgment**, presenting Jesus Himself as the ultimate arbiter, possessing the authority to admit or reject individuals from the kingdom of heaven. This judgment is based on an intimate "knowing," not on human achievements. Thirdly, the phrase "ye that work iniquity" directly contrasts with "doing the will of my Father," emphasizing the **Importance of Obedience** and a righteous lifestyle as the fruit of true faith, rather than just miraculous deeds. Finally, the core of the rejection, "I never knew you," highlights the critical theme of **Relationship with Christ** as the foundation of salvation, implying a lack of intimate, personal fellowship and union, rather than mere intellectual acquaintance or public recognition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential, and intimate knowledge, far beyond mere intellectual recognition or acquaintance. It implies a personal relationship, much like the covenantal "knowing" between God and His people, or between a husband and wife. When Jesus declares, "I never knew you," He is asserting that these individuals never entered into a saving, intimate, and transformative relationship with Him, regardless of their outward religious actions or claims. This lack of knowing is not a failure of divine omniscience, but an absence of a reciprocal, personal union.
* **work (Greek, _ergázomai_):** Derived from the word for "work" or "deed," this verb implies active engagement, toil, or labor. It describes a consistent pattern of activity or a lifestyle. When paired with "iniquity," it paints a picture of individuals whose lives are characterized by the active production or practice of lawlessness, rather than isolated, accidental sins. It suggests a deliberate commitment to a way of life contrary to God's will, even if cloaked in religious performance.
* **iniquity (Greek, _anomía_):** This term literally means "lawlessness" or "without law." It refers to a state of being in rebellion against God's moral standards and divine law. It encompasses not just specific acts of sin, but a fundamental disregard for God's will and righteousness as a guiding principle for life. In the context of Matthew 7:23, it describes a lifestyle of sin and disobedience that fundamentally contradicts the "doing of the will of my Father," despite any outward religious display or spiritual gifts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And then will I profess unto them":** This clause sets the scene for a future, definitive declaration by Jesus, indicating a moment of ultimate judgment. The word "profess" (Greek, _homologéō_) means to openly declare or acknowledge, often in a formal or public manner. Here, it is a solemn and authoritative pronouncement from Christ Himself, the Judge, to those standing before Him. The timing, "then," points to the eschatological Day of Judgment, when all will stand before God.
* **"I never knew you":** This is the core of the rejection. As discussed in the key word analysis, "knew" (Greek, _ginṓskō_) implies a deep, personal, and intimate relationship. The emphatic "never" (Greek, _oudépote_) underscores the absolute and eternal nature of this lack of relationship. Jesus is not saying He once knew them and then forgot, but that a saving, covenantal relationship never existed. This statement reveals that salvation is fundamentally about a personal, transformative relationship with Christ, not about religious works or outward displays, however impressive.
* **"depart from me, ye that work iniquity.":** This is the command of expulsion, a definitive separation from the presence of Christ. "Depart from me" is a chilling sentence of eternal banishment. The reason for this expulsion is explicitly stated: "ye that work iniquity." This phrase identifies those rejected not as individuals who merely committed occasional sins, but as "workers of lawlessness" (Greek, _ergazomenoi ten anomian_), whose lives were characterized by a pattern of rebellion against God's moral will, despite any religious facade. Their actions, or lack of genuine obedience, reveal the true state of their hearts and their fundamental opposition to God's righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:23 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Dramatic Irony**, as the individuals confidently approach Jesus expecting commendation for their works, only to be met with a shocking and unexpected rejection. Their self-perception of spiritual success stands in stark contrast to Christ's divine assessment. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** throughout the passage, particularly between outward religious performance (prophesying, casting out demons, doing wonders) and the internal reality of a lack of genuine relationship and a life of "iniquity." The phrase "I never knew you" functions as a powerful **Metonymy**, where "knowing" stands for the entire saving, covenantal relationship with Christ. The command "depart from me" is a stark **Imperative**, conveying the absolute authority of Jesus as judge and the finality of the separation. The vivid imagery of the "workers of iniquity" serves as a **Metaphor** for those whose lives are fundamentally characterized by rebellion against God's law, even if cloaked in religious activity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 7:23 is a cornerstone passage for understanding the nature of true salvation and the criteria for entry into God's kingdom. It unequivocally teaches that genuine faith is more than intellectual assent, verbal profession, or even the performance of spiritual gifts; it requires an intimate, personal, and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a life of obedience to God's will. This verse challenges the common misconception that outward religious activity or even miraculous deeds can substitute for a heart truly submitted to Christ and His righteousness. The ultimate judgment hinges on whether one is truly "known" by Christ in a saving sense, which is manifested by a life that actively seeks to do God's will, rather than "work iniquity."

* [2 Timothy 2:19](/2_timothy/2-19 "2 Timothy 2:19 - God Knows His Own"): "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
* [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Sin is Lawlessness"): "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
* [Luke 13:27](/luke/13-27 "Luke 13:27 - Depart from Me"): "But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 7:23 serves as a profound and sobering call to self-examination for all who claim to follow Christ. It challenges believers to look beyond superficial religiosity, outward displays, or even impressive spiritual gifts, and to ensure that their faith is deeply genuine, rooted in an authentic, personal relationship with Jesus, and evidenced by a life of sincere obedience to His teachings. This verse warns against the perilous error of relying on mere verbal profession ("Lord, Lord") or external religious performance as guarantees of salvation. The true test of faith, as revealed by Christ, is whether one is truly "known" by Him in an intimate, saving relationship, which is invariably accompanied by a life lived in alignment with His will and a turning away from "iniquity." It compels us to ask if our actions truly reflect our confession, and if our hearts are truly submitted to Christ's lordship, not just our lips.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life demonstrate that I am truly "known" by Jesus, beyond mere verbal profession or religious activity?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be inadvertently "working iniquity" or living in a way that contradicts God's will, despite my outward claims of faith?**
* **What steps can I take to deepen my intimate, personal relationship with Jesus, ensuring it is the foundation of my faith rather than relying on external achievements?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of salvation and the criteria for entering the kingdom of heaven?**

### FAQ

**What does "I never knew you" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In the biblical sense, "to know" (Greek, _ginṓskō_) implies a deep, intimate, and experiential relationship, not just intellectual acquaintance. When Jesus says, "I never knew you," He is stating that a saving, personal, and covenantal relationship never existed between Himself and these individuals. It's not a failure of His omniscience, but an assertion that they were never in a true, spiritual union with Him, despite their outward religious activities or even miraculous deeds performed in His name. This highlights that salvation is fundamentally about a transformative relationship with Christ, not just about religious performance or knowledge about Him.

**Does this verse mean that performing miracles or prophesying is wrong?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn spiritual gifts or miraculous works in themselves. Rather, it highlights that such gifts, even when genuinely manifested, are not sufficient evidence of a saving relationship with Christ. In [Matthew 7:22](/matthew/7-22 "Matthew 7:22 - The Day of Judgment"), the people claim to have done these works "in thy name," indicating that the power may have been real, but their hearts were not truly submitted to Christ. The issue is the state of the heart and the character of one's life ("ye that work iniquity"), not the gifts themselves. True faith is evidenced by a life of obedience and genuine relationship, not merely by the exercise of spiritual power.

**What is "iniquity" (anomia) in this verse?**

Answer: "Iniquity" (Greek, _anomía_) literally means "lawlessness" or "without law." It refers to a state of living in active rebellion against God's moral standards and divine will, or a disregard for His righteous commands. It's not just about committing isolated sins, but about a lifestyle or a pattern of behavior characterized by a fundamental opposition to God's righteousness, even if cloaked in religious activity. As [1 John 3:4](/1_john/3-4 "1 John 3:4 - Sin is Lawlessness") states, "sin is lawlessness." In [Matthew 7:23](/matthew/7-23 "Matthew 7:23 - The Ultimate Rejection"), it stands in stark contrast to "doing the will of my Father" ([Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Father's Will")), indicating that those who "work iniquity" are living in a manner contrary to God's righteous expectations for His true followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:23, while a sobering warning, ultimately points to the centrality of Christ as the sole arbiter of salvation and the very essence of true life. Jesus, the one who declares "I never knew you," is simultaneously the one through whom all saving knowledge of God is mediated. He is not merely a prophet or a teacher, but the divine Judge, whose "knowing" is the ultimate criterion for eternal life. The "iniquity" that separates people from God is precisely what Christ came to address; He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Those who are truly "known" by Him are those who have received His atoning work by faith, entering into a new covenant relationship where His righteousness is imputed to them ([Romans/3-21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The call to "depart from me" for those who "work iniquity" highlights the absolute necessity of repentance and turning to Christ, who offers forgiveness and the power to live a life pleasing to God through the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Romans/8-9-11](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - Life in the Spirit")). Thus, this verse, far from promoting works-based salvation, underscores that true salvation is a gift received through Christ, leading to a transformed life that genuinely "does the will of my Father" because of the intimate, saving relationship initiated and sustained by Him ([John/15-4-5](/john/15-4-5 "John 15:4-5 - Abiding in Christ")). He is the one who truly knows His sheep, and they know Him, following His voice ([John/10-14-16](/john/10-14-16 "John 10:14-16 - The Good Shepherd")).

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.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:41

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Psalms 6:8

¶ Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

Luke 13:25

When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Luke 13:27

But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all [ye] workers of iniquity.

Matthew 25:12

But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

John 10:14

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

Revelation 22:15

For without [are] dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.