Matthew 23:33
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Original Language Analysis
ὄφεις
Ye serpents
G3789
ὄφεις
Ye serpents
Strong's:
G3789
Word #:
1 of 10
a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
γεννήματα
ye generation
G1081
γεννήματα
ye generation
Strong's:
G1081
Word #:
2 of 10
offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)
ἐχιδνῶν
of vipers
G2191
ἐχιδνῶν
of vipers
Strong's:
G2191
Word #:
3 of 10
an adder or other poisonous snake (literally or figuratively)
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
4 of 10
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
φύγητε
can ye
G5343
φύγητε
can ye
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
5 of 10
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
ἀπὸ
escape
G575
ἀπὸ
escape
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 10
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κρίσεως
the damnation
G2920
κρίσεως
the damnation
Strong's:
G2920
Word #:
8 of 10
decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
Cross References
Matthew 3:7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Matthew 12:34O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.Matthew 5:22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.John 8:44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.Luke 3:7Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Genesis 3:15And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.Hebrews 12:25See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:Hebrews 10:29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
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.