Devine Scripture

Matthew 7:23

What does Matthew 7:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 7:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 7:23 means

In direct response to those who boasted of their spiritual works, Jesus will declare, 'I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.' This is a profoundly sobering statement, revealing that despite their outward religious activities, they had no personal, saving relationship with Him. The phrase 'I never knew you' indicates a complete absence of intimate fellowship. 'Ye that work iniquity' exposes their true character—lives characterized by lawlessness or unrighteousness disguised by religious performance. This verse underscores that true faith is about relationship and obedience, not just outward deeds.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And then will I say to them, I never had knowledge of you: go from me, you workers of evil.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and then I will acknowledge to them, that--I never knew you, depart from me ye who are working lawlessness.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and then will I avow unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me, workers of lawlessness.

Context

This verse delivers the devastating culmination of Jesus' warning: a final, absolute rejection of those who practiced religious works without true relationship or obedience. It directly follows the claims of mighty works, serving as the shocking divine verdict. This severe pronouncement emphasizes the ultimate importance of 'doing the will of my Father' and 'hearing and doing' Jesus' words, directly transitioning into the parable of the two builders, which illustrates the necessity of obedience.

v.22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many mighty works?

v.23This passage

v.24Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock:

Cross references

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

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his: and, Let every one that nameth the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.

  • John 10:27

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

  • Psalms 5:5

    The arrogant shall not stand in thy sight: Thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

  • Luke 13:27

    and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

  • Matthew 25:12

    But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

  • Revelation 22:15

    Without are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and every one that loveth and maketh a lie.

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