Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

MATTHEW 23:33KJV
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Matthew 23:33 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:33 mean?

Matthew 23:33 describes Jesus calling the religious leaders "serpents" and a "generation of vipers," warning them about the impossibility of escaping the judgment of hell. This verse is a strong rebuke, showing how seriously Jesus viewed their hypocrisy and resistance to God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the scribes and Pharisees in Jerusalem during a public confrontation. He uses harsh language to highlight their spiritual danger and the consequences of their actions. The verse fits into a larger section where Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for leading people astray and failing to practice what they preach.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:33

  • "serpents" (ὄφεις, ophis): This word means snakes and is often used in the Bible as a symbol of cunning, danger, or evil. Jesus uses it here to underline the deceptive and harmful influence of the leaders.
  • "generation" (γεννήματα, gennēmata): This term means "offspring" or "brood," so "generation of vipers" paints a picture of a whole group sharing the same dangerous character, not just individuals.
  • "damnation" (κρίσεως, kriseōs): The Greek word here means "judgment" or "condemnation," pointing to a formal, serious verdict rather than just general disapproval.
  • "hell" (γέεννης, geennēs): This refers to Gehenna, a place outside Jerusalem associated with burning refuse and later used as a symbol for final judgment and destruction.

Why Matthew 23:33 matters

  • Matthew 23:33 clears up any idea that Jesus saw all religious leaders as harmless or well-intentioned; he directly confronts those he sees as leading people away from God.
  • The verse emphasizes the seriousness of spiritual leadership and the real consequences of hypocrisy, not just for individuals but for entire groups.
  • This warning connects to the whole chapter, where Jesus repeatedly exposes the gap between outward appearance and inward reality among the religious elite.

Where else these words appear

“vipers” Greek G2191 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
  • Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

“generation” Greek G1081 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
  • Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

“hell” Greek G1067 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
  • Mark 9:45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

“serpents” Greek G3789 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
  • Luke 11:11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
  • Revelation 9:19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.