New Testament
Matthew 23:15
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How terrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You cross land and sea to win a single convert, and when you do, you turn that person into twice the child of hell that you are.
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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.
What Matthew 23:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus condemns the religious leaders, specifically the scribes and Pharisees, for their hypocrisy. They go to great lengths, traveling far and wide, to convert someone to their beliefs. However, instead of leading these new converts to true faith, they end up making them even more misguided and lost than they were before. The phrase 'twice the child of hell' emphasizes the severity of their actions, suggesting that the converts become even more entrenched in falsehoods. This criticism highlights the danger of leading others without genuine understanding and integrity, as it can result in greater spiritual harm rather than good. Jesus is calling out the superficiality of their efforts, pointing out that their focus is on outward appearances and not on true spiritual transformation.
How to apply Matthew 23:15 to your life
This verse serves as a warning to be mindful of our influence on others. When sharing our beliefs, we should ensure that we are leading with sincerity and truth. It's essential to focus on genuine spiritual growth rather than merely converting others for the sake of numbers or appearances.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'twice the child of hell'?
In Matthew 23:15, when Jesus refers to a convert becoming 'twice the child of hell,' He is emphasizing the severity of the spiritual state of those who are misled by hypocritical leaders. Instead of leading them to true faith, these leaders create individuals who are even more entrenched in false beliefs. This phrase highlights the danger of superficial conversions that lack genuine understanding and transformation.
Why does Jesus call the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites?
Jesus calls the scribes and Pharisees hypocrites because they outwardly appear righteous and zealous for their faith, yet their actions reveal a lack of true integrity and understanding. They focus on converting others for the sake of numbers rather than fostering genuine spiritual growth. Their hypocrisy lies in their failure to practice what they preach, leading others astray instead of guiding them toward authentic faith.
What can we learn about spiritual leadership from this verse?
Matthew 23:15 teaches that spiritual leadership requires sincerity, integrity, and a focus on genuine transformation rather than mere conversion. Leaders should prioritize the spiritual well-being of those they influence, ensuring that their teachings align with true faith. This verse serves as a reminder that leading others in faith is a serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly.
How can we avoid being hypocritical in our faith?
To avoid hypocrisy in our faith, we should strive for authenticity in our beliefs and actions. This includes self-reflection, ensuring that our teachings align with our personal practices, and being open to learning and growing in our understanding of faith. It's important to engage with others sincerely, focusing on their spiritual growth rather than simply trying to convert them for appearances.
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