Devine Scripture

Matthew 3:7

What does Matthew 3:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 3:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 3:7 means

When John saw the Pharisees and Sadducees approaching, he confronted them sharply, calling them "offspring of vipers." This strong language highlights their hypocrisy and spiritual deadness beneath their outward religious observances. He questioned their motives for coming, implying they sought to escape coming judgment without genuine repentance. John understood their hearts were not truly submitted to God, but rather relied on outward conformity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But 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?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said unto them, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But when he saw a number of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of snakes, at whose word are you going in flight from the wrath to come?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming about his baptism, he said to them, `Brood of vipers! who did shew you to flee from the coming wrath?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: Ye brood of vipers, who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to come?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who has forewarned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Context

This verse marks a significant shift from the general crowds to a specific confrontation with the religious leaders. While the common people came confessing sins in verse 6, John immediately challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees, exposing their self-righteousness. This sharp rebuke sets the stage for his call for genuine spiritual fruit in the subsequent verses, highlighting a contrast between true and superficial repentance.

v.6and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

v.7This passage

v.8Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of repentance:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 3:7

    He said therefore to the multitudes that went out to be baptized of him, Ye offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

  • Mark 8:15

    And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.

  • Matthew 16:6

    And Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

  • Matthew 12:24

    But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man doth not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of the demons.

  • Acts 4:1

    And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

  • Genesis 3:15

    and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

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