Matthew 23:33
Matthew 23:33 in Multiple Translations
You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Ye serpents, ye offspring of vipers, how shall ye escape the judgment of hell?
You snakes, offspring of snakes, how will you be kept from the punishment of hell?
You snakes, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?
O serpents, the generation of vipers, howe should ye escape the damnation of hell!
'Serpents! brood of vipers! how may ye escape from the judgment of the gehenna?
You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
You serpents, generation of vipers, how will you flee from the judgment of hell?
You people are so wicked You are as dangerous as poisonous snakes [DOU, MET]! ◄You foolishly think that you will escape being punished in hell!/Do you foolishly think that you will escape when God punishes wicked people in hell?► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 23:33
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Matthew 23:33 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 23:33
Study Notes — Matthew 23:33
- Context
- Cross References
- Matthew 23:33 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Matthew 23:33
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 23:33
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
- Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
- Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
- Cambridge Bible on Matthew 23:33
- Barnes' Notes on Matthew 23:33
- Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
- Sermons on Matthew 23:33
Context — Woes to Scribes and Pharisees
33You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
34Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. 35And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 3:7 | But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? |
| 2 | Matthew 12:34 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. |
| 3 | Matthew 5:22 | But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. |
| 4 | Luke 3:7 | Then John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? |
| 5 | John 8:44 | You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. |
| 6 | Genesis 3:15 | And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. ” |
| 7 | Psalms 58:3–5 | The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell. |
| 8 | Matthew 21:34–35 | When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. |
| 9 | Hebrews 2:3 | how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, |
| 10 | Isaiah 57:3–4 | “But come here, you sons of a sorceress, you offspring of adulterers and prostitutes! Whom are you mocking? At whom do you snarl and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, offspring of deceit, |
Matthew 23:33 Summary
In this verse, Jesus is strongly warning the Pharisees that they are in danger of facing God's judgment and punishment, which is described as 'hell', because of their sinful and hypocritical ways. He is calling them to repent and turn to God, just as He calls us to do today (see Luke 13:3). Jesus wants us to know that our actions have consequences, and that we must be careful to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as described in Revelation 20:12-15. By examining our hearts and actions, and turning to God in repentance, we can avoid the judgment of God and instead receive eternal life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus mean by calling the Pharisees 'snakes' and 'brood of vipers'?
Jesus is using a metaphor to describe the Pharisees as deceitful and dangerous, much like snakes, as seen in Matthew 3:7 where John the Baptist also uses this phrase to warn the Pharisees of their sinful nature.
What is the 'sentence of hell' that Jesus is referring to?
The 'sentence of hell' refers to the eternal punishment and separation from God that awaits those who reject Him, as described in Revelation 20:15 and Matthew 25:41.
Is Jesus condemning all Pharisees to hell, or is there still hope for them?
While Jesus is sternly warning the Pharisees of their sinful ways, He is not condemning all of them to hell, as seen in Acts 6:7 where some Pharisees do become believers, demonstrating that salvation is still available to those who repent and turn to God.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse serves as a warning to all people, including believers, to examine their hearts and actions, and to repent of any sin, as Jesus teaches in Luke 13:3, that we may avoid the judgment of God and instead receive eternal life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be like the Pharisees, prioritizing outward appearance over inward heart change?
- How can I ensure that I am not just 'going through the motions' of my faith, but rather truly living a life that honors God?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn to God, just like the Pharisees were called to do?
- How can I balance the need to confront sin in my own life and in the lives of others, while still showing love and compassion to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 23:33
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 23:33
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 23:33
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 23:33
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 23:33
Sermons on Matthew 23:33
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Repentance in Kansas City by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of Christian meetings and how they often fail to truly impact people. He emphasizes the need for authenticity and a genuine encoun |
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Thundering in Nashville by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the decline of American TV and the need for God's people to take Him seriously and repent. He emphasizes the cultural sins that people may no |
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The Old Testament God by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the wedding banquet from Matthew chapter 22. He emphasizes that God is a God of judgment, both in the Old and New Testaments. |
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The Human Face of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching both the goodness and severity of God to produce a healthy congregation. He highlights the human face of God as |
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(Basics) 37. Jesus Valued All People by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balancing grace and truth in our lives, using the example of Jesus as the perfect model. He compares the need for bones in |
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The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading) by Edward Payson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures a |
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K-067b the Holocaust 2 of 4 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the absence of God in the face of death and devastation. He emphasizes the refusal of people to come to the end of themselves and instead r |





