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 23, the final chapters of Jesus’ total prophetic flair reach an intense climax with the seven woes directed at the scribes and Pharisees. Each woe serves not just as a critique but as a wake-up call to the spiritual leaders of His time. A fun tidbit: this passage ushers in not just criticism, but a deep longing for authenticity in religious practice. The number seven is culturally significant too, representing completeness; so attributing seven woes implies that Jesus sees a deep-seated issue within the religious elite that requires full attention.

It's fascinating to note how across different gospel accounts, like in Luke, the context changes even if the heart of the message doesn’t. By including just six woes, Luke positions them early, perhaps suggesting a less confrontational tone or a different audience problem.

Looking deeper, what’s also intriguing is how the refrain – "hypocrites!" – is something that still resonates today. It prompts us to examine how actions reflect true spirituality versus mere lip service. The call for introspection can be a powerful tool to navigate our own “woes” – the missed opportunities to practice genuine compassion and justice in a world too often driven by pretense. Ultimately, this biblical moment emphasizes the perpetual motif: true faith is of the heart and should shine out in deeds, echoing through the ages.