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 delivers a stinging rebuke to the Scribes and Pharisees, famously counting off seven “woes” against them. These woes, found in chapter 23, shine a light on the hypocrisy and empty rituals of religious leaders, calling out their failures to embody the principles they teach.

Interestingly, there’s a curiosity about these woes: while Matthew’s version stands firm at seven, Luke opts for only six and mixes up their sequence a bit. This reminds us that the Gospels were written with different communities in mind and often emphasized distinct aspects of Jesus’ teachings. The extra nth looks really at verse 14 which is missing from several early manuscripts—it’s like ancient manuscript censorship!

As we explore the woes, we notice they’re kind of spiritual stingers, emphasizing the importance of action grounded in true integrity rather than mere outward appearance. When Jesus talks about Pharisees being like whitewashed tombs, adorned on the outside yet dead inside, it’s a388 striking metaphor that finds echoes in both everyday life and throughout many spiritual traditions—the risk of valuing appearance over substance.

Plus, did you know that the phrase “hypocrite” comes from the same root as the Greek word for actor? It’s no wonder Jesus uses such theatrical language; he effectively transforms a pivotal moment in scripture into a poignant call for authenticity and sincerity in our spiritual journeys. Those seven woes remind us to examine our hearts more than our façades.