But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

MATTHEW 23:13KJV
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Matthew 23:13 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:13 mean?

Matthew 23:13 describes Jesus warning the religious leaders—scribes and Pharisees—that they are blocking people from entering the kingdom of heaven. Jesus says these leaders do not enter themselves and also prevent others who are trying to enter from doing so.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the scribes and Pharisees in front of a crowd in Jerusalem. He calls them "hypocrites" and accuses them of using their authority to keep people from truly knowing God. The verse highlights the seriousness of religious leaders misusing their influence, not only failing themselves but also hindering others who seek God.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:13

  • ὑποκριταί (hypokritai, "hypocrites"): This word refers to someone who pretends or acts differently from what is true. Jesus uses it to call out the leaders for putting on a show of righteousness while actually leading people away from God.
  • κλείετε (kleiete, "shut up" or "close"): This verb means to lock or bar something. Here, it paints a picture of the leaders actively closing the door to God's kingdom, not just passively failing to help.
  • βασιλεία (basileia, "kingdom"): This word means "kingdom," and in this context, it refers to God's rule or reign—what Jesus calls the "kingdom of heaven." The leaders are accused of keeping people from experiencing God's reign.
  • εἰσελθεῖν (eiselthein, "to go in/enter"): The repeated use of this verb shows that both the leaders and those who wish to enter are being blocked from access to God's kingdom.

Why Matthew 23:13 matters

  • Matthew 23:13 clears up the idea that religious authority always leads people closer to God; Jesus warns that leaders can actually become obstacles.
  • The verse emphasizes personal responsibility for spiritual leaders, showing that their actions can have serious consequences for others.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Matthew 23, where Jesus continues to challenge the religious leaders' behavior and motives, highlighting the dangers of hypocrisy.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G2808 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
  • John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
  • Revelation 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

“hypocrites” Greek G5273 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • Matthew 22:18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
  • Matthew 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

“woe” Greek G3759 · used in 36 verses

  • Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
  • Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
  • Luke 17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!

“against” Greek G1715 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • Matthew 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!
  • John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.