Matthew 23:13
What does Matthew 23:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 23:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 23:13 means
Jesus pronounces the first of seven "woes" upon the scribes and Pharisees, condemning them as "hypocrites." He declares that they obstruct access to God's kingdom for others, neither entering it themselves nor allowing those who are seeking to enter. Their twisted teachings, false example, and burdensome traditions effectively create barriers to genuine faith and repentance, hindering people from experiencing God's salvation. This woe highlights their devastating spiritual impact on those they lead astray.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But a curse is on you, scribes and Pharisees, false ones! because you are shutting the kingdom of heaven against men: for you do not go in yourselves, and those who are going in, you keep back.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut up the reign of the heavens before men, for ye do not go in, nor those going in do ye suffer to enter.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for you yourselves do not enter in and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for ye shut up the kingdom of the heavens before men; for ye do not enter, nor do ye suffer those that are entering to go in.
Context
Following Jesus' general principles about humility and exaltation, this verse marks a significant shift as Jesus directly pronounces the first of His seven "woes" upon the scribes and Pharisees. This moves from general critique and positive instruction for disciples to stern, direct condemnation. This initial woe specifically targets their role in hindering others from God's kingdom, setting the stage for subsequent woes that will detail various aspects of their hypocrisy and misleading leadership.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 4:15
of whom do thou also beware; for he greatly withstood our words.
- John 9:34
They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.
- Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
- Matthew 23:13
But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye shut the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye enter not in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering in to enter.
- 2 Timothy 3:8
And even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth; men corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.
- Luke 11:43
Woe unto you Pharisees! for ye love the chief seats in the synagogues, and the salutations in the marketplaces.
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