Bible Trivia Question
What's the Answer?
How many woes did Jesus pronounce on the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew's gospel?
Seven
Ten
Five
Find this question in our The Gospel of Matthew Bible Quiz
Click to reveal the answerThe 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 lays down a heavy dose of spiritual critique in Matthew 23, delivering a total of seven “woes” to the Scribes and Pharisees. These “woes” are not just harsh criticisms; they are incisive remarks aimed at shaking these religious leaders from their excessive legalism and externalism. In this chapter, we witness a poignant call to authentic faith—one that resonates well beyond the First Century.
Interestingly, the number seven often symbolizes completion in biblical literature; think of how God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Thus, when we consider that Jesus pronounced seven woes, it’s almost as if He’s saying He has fully noted the failings of these religious authorities. We find echoes of similar themes throughout scripture—an ongoing dialogue about the heart versus the act. For instance, in Hosea 6:6, it’s: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
Now, in wings like the books of Luke, we see only six woes. Here’s where things get intriguing! Some older manuscripts don’t include the verse corresponding to the seventh woe in other texts, highlighting how biblical manuscripts and the formation of the canon created a dynamic landscape of interpretation and understanding. This textured exploration enriches our appreciation for how these lessons about humility and genuine faith still speak to us today, challenging us to think about where we may be placing tradition over heartfelt spirituality.
Similar Bible Trivia Questions
Which prophet did Jesus refer to when some of the Scribes and Pharisees asked for a sign?
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Who is generally accepted to be the author of the gospel of Matthew?
Matthew
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Where was Matthew sitting when Jesus called him?
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...other than Matthew, records the birth of Jesus?
Mark
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What did Jesus say when the Pharisees asked why he ate with publicans and sinners?
Birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.
Go thou, and do likewise.
They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Why did the Pharisees deride Jesus when he said, "You cannot serve God and mammon,"?
They were selfish
They were covetous
They wanted to draw attention away from Jesus
What does the name "Matthew" mean?
The Lord is here
Treasures of the Lord
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Matthew: Who asked "Where is he who has been born King of the Jews"?
Wise men
Shepherds
High Priest
Matthew was a tax collector before his calling
True
Healing of the blind man by covering his eyes in clay
Healing of the man with the withered hand
Turning water into wine