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 Matthew's Gospel, Jesus pulls no punches when it comes to the Scribes and Pharisees, dropping a dramatic set of seven "woes" that point out their hypocrisy and rigid adherence to the law over compassion. Have you ever counted those woeful declarations? They’re not just a rant; they're jam-packed with righteous indignation and a call for genuine faith, which isn’t about ritual practice – it’s about heartfelt sincerity.

Interestingly, there are slight differences in how these "woes" emerge in the Gospel of Luke. It raises a compelling question about how early figures in the church preserved, apostolized, and reshaped stories about Jesus based on their own theological emphases and audiences. This whole adds dynamism to our understanding of Jesus as a teacher, constantly challenging ordinary folks, making his messages profoundly relevant even in diverse contexts.

Did you know that among the woes, He highlights themes like making converts blindly, a crystal-clear reminder that followers need to be educated about genuine faith and that the pursuit of the divine isn’t merely about ticking boxes? Fashioning a new perspective, many see this as a beautifully messy invitation inviting everyone toward deeper, meaningful spiritual engagement rather than rote performance. So next time you see these "woes," consider them as delightful stepping stones toward deeper insights about faith and authenticity!