King James Version
What Does Matthew 23:33 Mean?
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
Context
31
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
32
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
33
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
34
Wherefore , behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
35
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(33) **Ye generation of vipers.**—Better, as in Matthew 3:7, *brood,* or *progeny of vipers.* The word of rebuke which had come before from the lips of the Baptist, comes now, with even more intense keenness, from those of the Christ.
**How can ye escape?**—Better—to maintain the parallelism with the Baptist’s words, which was, we can hardly doubt, designed—*How should ye flee from?*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:33 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 23:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge