King James Version
Matthew 23:33 in the King James Version says “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?”
Matthew 23:33 · KJV
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
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:
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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Ye serpents”
G3789a snake, figuratively, (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially satan
“how”
G4459an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
“can ye”
G5343to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
“escape”
G575"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
“the damnation”
G2920decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law)
“of hell”
G1067valley 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
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.
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.
Verses related to Matthew 23:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge