New Testament
Matthew 23:33
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You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?
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Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
What Matthew 23:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus addresses the religious leaders of His time, calling them "snakes" and a "brood of vipers." This strong language highlights their deceitful and harmful nature. Jesus is expressing His frustration with their hypocrisy and their role in leading people away from God. He questions how they expect to avoid judgment and punishment in hell, given their actions and attitudes. This condemnation serves as a warning about the consequences of rejecting God's truth and leading others astray. The imagery of snakes and vipers suggests danger and poison, emphasizing the seriousness of their spiritual condition. Jesus' words reflect His deep concern for the integrity of faith and the importance of genuine righteousness over mere outward appearances.
How to apply Matthew 23:33 to your life
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives for hypocrisy. Are we living authentically in our faith, or are we merely putting on a show? It reminds us to seek genuine righteousness and to lead others with integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of deceitful behavior.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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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 Matthew 23:33 mean?
Matthew 23:33 features Jesus calling the religious leaders 'snakes' and 'brood of vipers,' highlighting their deceitful nature. He questions how they can escape judgment in hell due to their hypocrisy and misleading actions.
What is the meaning of 'brood of vipers' in Matthew 23:33?
The phrase 'brood of vipers' in Matthew 23:33 symbolizes deceitful and dangerous individuals. Jesus uses this imagery to emphasize the harmful influence of the religious leaders on the people.
How does Matthew 23:33 relate to hypocrisy?
Matthew 23:33 directly confronts hypocrisy by exposing the false righteousness of the religious leaders. Jesus' strong words serve as a reminder that outward appearances do not reflect true faith.
What warning does Matthew 23:33 give?
Matthew 23:33 warns about the serious consequences of rejecting God's truth and leading others astray. It emphasizes that those who deceive others will face judgment and condemnation.
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