Matthew 23:14 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus condemns those who exploit the vulnerable while masking their greed behind lengthy prayers, warning of heavier judgment.
What Does Matthew 23:14 Mean?
This woe pairs two evils: preying on widows, who in that society were often defenseless, and using a show of prolonged prayer to appear devout. To devour a widow's house is to consume her livelihood under a cloak of religion. The longer the show, the deeper the deceit.
Scripture everywhere holds the care of widows as a measure of true faith, so to exploit them is to betray God's own heart. Jesus warns that greater knowledge and a greater pretense bring greater accountability. Religion used as a mask for self-interest is among the gravest of sins. The lesson endures: God sees behind every performance, and he defends the weak whom others would consume.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 23:14
What does Matthew 23:14 mean?
Jesus condemns those who exploit the vulnerable while masking their greed behind lengthy prayers, warning of heavier judgment.