The answer is: Seven

Matt 23 - In Luke there are only six, but they do not occur at the same point in the narrative. v14 isn't present in older manuscripts so there are considered to be seven woes and not eight

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus seems to dial up the intensity when addressing the Scribes and Pharisees, specifically through the famous "seven woes." This section is a powerful and somewhat fiery critique of the religious leaders of His day. Each woe presents a charge or accusation, often exposing hypocrisy, selfishness, and a lack of true understanding and compassion. This structure isn't just a clever literary device; it parallels more general themes throughout biblical scripture where numbers often symbolize completeness or fullness. In this case, "seven" signifies a total and complete affirmation that these woes encapsulate all facets of the warning Jesus aims to deliver.

Interestingly, if we take a journey through the Old Testament, the importance of direct confrontations with religious leaders appears routinely. Prophets like Isaiah or Jeremiah also issued stern criticisms to the people guiding Israel's spiritual journey, illustrating that passionate dissent against religious pomposity is a grand tradition!

Following the woes in Matthew, the passage unveils a lament over Jerusalem, underscoring Jesus' profound empathy towards people lost in theological pretension. This moment of sensitivity speaks volumes about the moral climate of spiritual leadership—how often do those in power isolate themselves from compassion, becoming ensnared in rules by which they also bind others?

So, while the woes condemn, they also beckon us to ponder: how might we ensure our own spiritual practices remain generous rather than judgmental? Now that's a thoughtful question worth exploring!