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.
You're in serious trouble, religious teachers and Pharisees, you're total hypocrites! You take advantage of widows and steal their homes, then put on this big show of praying long prayers to look holy. Because of this, your judgment is going to be way worse.
Using religion to take advantage of vulnerable people will come back to bite you hard.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, scribes and Pharisees were influential religious leaders in Jewish society who were expected to teach and uphold God's law. However, Jesus publicly criticized them for their hypocrisy, such as taking advantage of vulnerable widows by seizing their homes while using long prayers as a cover for their greed. This rebuke was part of Jesus' broader warnings in Matthew 23, delivered in Jerusalem shortly before His crucifixion, to expose the disconnect between their outward piety and actual behavior.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.