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, the seven woes Jesus pronounces against the Scribes and Pharisees make for a powerful moment that showcases His critiques of religious hypocrisy. Coming from a place of authority, these warnings aren't just academic; they're heartfelt admonishments that dig into the core of societal and spiritual failings of the day. Interestingly, we see variations of these themes across the Gospels – in Luke, the count is six, which highlights how Gospel writers were tailoring their accounts to resonate with their specific audiences.

These woes serve as poignant echoes of the Old Testament prophetic tradition, where prophets often blasted injustices and demanded true piety rather than mere ritual observance. For instance, consider Isaiah and Amos, who similarly voiced the need for justice over empty sacrifices.

By opting for harsh language, Jesus illustrates that mere knowledge of the law or ritualistic practice isn’t what sanctifies a person. Instead, it's the actions that align with love and compassion.

As a side note, the differences in the biblical texts inspire discussions about textual variations – what can sometimes feel like theological nitpicking serves a broader purpose in understanding how the Gospel writers sought to convey timeless truths. It's a reminder that dialogue, debate, and context matter immensely in our collective journey of faith and insight!