King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:15 Mean?

Matthew 23:15 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made,... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Matthew 23:15 · KJV


Context

13

But 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.

14

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

15

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

16

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

17

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
  2. What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
  3. How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Οὐαὶ1 of 25

Woe

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν2 of 25

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

γραμματεῖς3 of 25

scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ4 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Φαρισαῖοι5 of 25

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ὑποκριταί6 of 25

hypocrites

G5273

an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"

ὅτι7 of 25

! for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

περιάγετε8 of 25

ye compass

G4013

to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around

τὴν9 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θάλασσαν10 of 25

sea

G2281

the sea (genitive case or specially)

καὶ11 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν12 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ξηρὰν13 of 25

land

G3584

arid; by implication, shrunken, earth (as opposed to water)

ποιεῖτε14 of 25

to make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

ἕνα15 of 25

one

G1520

one

προσήλυτον16 of 25

proselyte

G4339

an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")

καὶ17 of 25

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅταν18 of 25

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

γένηται19 of 25

he is made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ποιεῖτε20 of 25

to make

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτὸν21 of 25

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

υἱὸν22 of 25

the child

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

γεέννης23 of 25

of hell

G1067

valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p

διπλότερον24 of 25

twofold more

G1362

two-fold

ὑμῶν25 of 25

than yourselves

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 23:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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