Matthew 7:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:23 mean?

Matthew 7:23 describes Jesus saying that he will declare to certain people, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” This means that despite their claims or actions, Jesus will reject those who practice wrongdoing, showing that a true relationship with him is not just about outward deeds but about genuinely following his will.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to people who, earlier in the passage, claimed to have done impressive things in his name. The setting is a warning at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus stresses that not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. The verse highlights that Jesus values genuine obedience and relationship over empty religious activity.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:23

• “profess” (ὁμολογέω, homologeō): This Greek word means to declare openly or confess. Here, it shows Jesus making a clear and public statement about the people’s true standing with him.
• “knew” (γινώσκω, ginōskō): This word often means more than just intellectual knowledge; it suggests a close, personal relationship. Jesus saying “I never knew you” emphasizes that there was never a real connection, not just a lack of information.
• “work iniquity” (ἐργάζομαι τὴν ἀνομίαν, ergazomai tēn anomian): The phrase means to practice lawlessness or live in a way that disregards God’s commands. It underlines that the people’s actions were fundamentally opposed to what Jesus taught, regardless of their religious claims.

Why Matthew 7:23 matters

• Matthew 7:23 clears up the misunderstanding that outward religious actions or impressive deeds automatically mean someone truly belongs to Jesus.
• The verse emphasizes that Jesus looks for a genuine relationship, not just external displays or words.
• This statement ties back to the larger theme of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus warns against hypocrisy and stresses the importance of doing the will of God from the heart.