Matthew 23:15 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:15 mean?

Matthew 23:15 describes Jesus warning the scribes and Pharisees that their efforts to convert others actually lead those converts even further away from God, making them "twofold more the child of hell" than the Pharisees themselves. Jesus calls out their hypocrisy, saying their missionary zeal results in spiritual harm rather than good.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the religious leaders of his day, criticizing their actions and motives in front of the crowds. The scribes and Pharisees were known for their strict religious practices and for trying to win converts ("proselytes"). Jesus accuses them of traveling great distances to make a single convert, but then teaching that person in a way that makes them even more trapped in hypocrisy and spiritual danger.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:15

• "Woe" (οὐαί, ouai): This Greek word is a strong expression of grief or warning, not just mild disapproval. Jesus is pronouncing serious trouble or judgment on the religious leaders.
• "Proselyte" (προσήλυτος, prosēlytos): This word means a convert, specifically someone who has adopted the Jewish faith from another background. The verse points out that the Pharisees' influence on these converts is negative.
• "Child of hell" (υἱὸς γεέννης, huios geennēs): The phrase uses "child" (υἱὸς, huios) to mean someone who belongs to or is destined for a certain fate, and "hell" (γεέννα, geenna) refers to a place of judgment. Jesus is saying the converts become even more deserving of judgment than their teachers.

Why Matthew 23:15 matters

• Matthew 23:15 clears up the idea that religious zeal alone is not enough—what matters is the truth and spirit behind it. Even passionate efforts can be harmful if they lead people away from genuine faith.
• The verse highlights Jesus's strong criticism of hypocrisy, especially among those in spiritual authority. It shows that leading others astray is a serious offense.
• This warning fits into the larger context of Matthew 23, where Jesus delivers a series of rebukes to the religious leaders, exposing the gap between their outward appearance and their inner reality.