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

Ah, the infamous "woes" in Matthew 23! It’s one of those punchy passages where Jesus goes full-on prophetic. Here, he unleashes seven layered criticisms against the Scribes and Pharisees, who were the religious leaders of the day. Think of it like a passionate coach calling out players on their flaws, pushing them to rise to higher standards.

In Matthew, these woes hit a crescendo with sharp imagery, pointing out hypocrisy, greed, and legalism. Isn’t it interesting how these themes resonate throughout the scriptures and indeed across various texts? Echoes of concern about religious leaders' integrity pop up in both the Old and New Testaments. For instance, Micah challenged leaders for similar reasons, and the prophets often chided those who “horde power.”

Contrast this with Luke's account, where only six woes are mentioned, adjusting the sequence of events, it creates additional insight into how teachings were curated differently for distinct audiences.

There's historical intrigue here too; older manuscripts of the Gospel of Luke lack the fourteenth verse dividing the text's flow. This raises questions about how oral traditions shape written text over time! When we think about the importance of truth and authenticity, these woes aren't just historical complaints; they're timeless reminders to navigate our spiritual lives with sincerity. Reflecting on our modern leaders’ lives, can we incorporate those lessons today to ensure ethical guidance in our communities?