Matthew 23:14
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φαρισαῖοι
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
6 of 22
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ὑποκριταί,
hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριταί,
hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
7 of 22
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
ὅτι
! for
G3754
ὅτι
! for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 22
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
κατεσθίετε
ye devour
G2719
κατεσθίετε
ye devour
Strong's:
G2719
Word #:
9 of 22
to eat up, i.e., devour (literally or figuratively)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίας
houses
G3614
οἰκίας
houses
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
11 of 22
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χηρῶν,
widows
G5503
χηρῶν,
widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
13 of 22
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
therefore
G1223
διὰ
therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
18 of 22
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
λήψεσθε
ye shall receive
G2983
λήψεσθε
ye shall receive
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
20 of 22
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
Historical Context
This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.
Questions for Reflection
- What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
- How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
- What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.