“And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”– Matthew 7:23 (KJV)
“But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’– Matthew 7:23 (NLT)
“I’ll tell them, ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’– Matthew 7:23 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 7:23 Mean?
When we look at Matthew 7:23, we see a powerful statement made by Jesus during a time of great teaching. This verse appears in the midst of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses many aspects of life and morality. At the time, Jesus was emphasizing that simply claiming to follow Him is not enough; it is our relationship with Him that matters the most. The message echoes through time and reaches us today. Jesus is saying that many will think they are part of His kingdom through their words and deeds, but what truly counts is whether or not He knows them.
This particular verse brings to light the distinction between those who think they know Christ based on their knowledge of Scripture, church attendance, or good deeds and those who genuinely have a relationship with Him. The phrase “I never knew you” is striking. It challenges us to examine our hearts and our lives to ensure that we are living authentically. It’s a call for introspection and authenticity in our spiritual lives. Are we truly known by Christ? Have we cultivated a personal connection with Him, or are we merely going through the motions?
Matthew 7:23 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we notice a clear separation between outward appearances and inner realities. Jesus states, “I never knew you.” This is not just about knowledge in a general sense; it refers to a deep, personal relationship. Knowing and being known by Jesus is what brings us into the kingdom of heaven. Throughout Scripture, we find examples of those who had close relationships with God, such as King David, who was called a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David had a personal relationship with God that allowed him to express his faith openly, providing a model of a believer who is truly known.
On the other hand, religious leaders of Jesus’ time often showcased impressive knowledge of the law but lacked a heart change or true relationship with God. In Matthew 23, Jesus calls them hypocrites for their actions that did not align with their hearts. We must be aware of the same risk within ourselves. Are we simply performing religious activities, or do we know God personally? Our faith is not about actions alone; it is about being transformed through relationship with Christ.
Furthermore, this verse serves as a clear warning against self-deception. It encourages us to examine our own lives and hearts. It challenges us to consider what truly governs our actions and our faith. Are we seeking to please God or to please ourselves? This inquiry is vital, as Christ Himself emphasizes the necessity of producing good fruit from a healthy tree (Matthew 7:17). Good trees, or lives truly transformed by Christ, will bear the fruits of love, joy, peace, and kindness.
We should also reflect on how we can guard our hearts against religious complacency. Complacency suggests we may feel content with superficial spiritual practices while neglecting genuine intimacy with the Lord. Our prayer life, Bible study, and acts of service must be grounded in love and a desire for deeper knowledge of Christ rather than mere obligation. Instead, let these practices be expressions of our love for the Savior who knows us deeply.
Context of Matthew 7:23
Understanding Matthew 7:23 requires examining its context within the entirety of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus lays out the standards of His kingdom. This teaching emphasizes how one’s heart must align with their actions. Earlier in Matthew 7, we read about the narrow gate that leads to life, contrasting it with the wide gate that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). By warning about the broad and the narrow path, Jesus illustrates how many might follow the path of least resistance, believing they are secure in their way, while only a few truly find their way to Him.
We must also recognize that prior to this verse, Jesus talks about the characteristics of true believers who bear good fruit (Matthew 7:16). He emphasizes that genuine followers of Christ demonstrate their faith through their actions, stemming from a deeply rooted relationship with Him. The context therefore clearly establishes that it is not enough to profess faith; true believers will have their lives transformed by that faith, leading to action.
By situating Matthew 7:23 in this broader discourse, we can see that Jesus is not merely criticizing false prophets but is also addressing those who might be delusional about their salvation. Many may call Him Lord, hoping to be recognized. Yet, Christ’s statement reveals a shocking truth: their lives have not been authentically transformed, and they do not have a personal relationship with Him. In our journey, we must strive to be those who seek that personal connection instead of relying solely on titles or labels.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 7:23
One of the most profound aspects of this verse is found in the phrase “I never knew you.” This indicates a lack of personal relationship and intimacy. The term “knew” here is a deep, Biblical word that signifies more than surface-level knowledge; it points to a personal and relational understanding. In the same way that a close friend knows our hopes and fears, our weaknesses, and our strengths, Jesus desires to know us intimately and for us to know Him.
The second part of this verse, “depart from me, ye that work iniquity,” presents a solemn warning. The use of the word “depart” is an indication of separation. Imagine hearing those words from Christ – a stark reminder that those who do not genuinely belong to Him will be cast aside. It’s chilling to consider that someone might think they are part of His family while, in reality, they are living in a way that contradicts His heart.
Let us also reflect on the phrase “ye that work iniquity,” which means those who practice sin. It serves as a reminder that our actions matter. What we do reflects our true beliefs and relationship with God. It is a call to examine ourselves. Are our lives marked by good works and holiness, or do they exhibit a pattern of sin and disobedience? This verse drives us towards self-examination and accountability.
When we dissect Matthew 7:23, we uncover a call for honesty about our spiritual condition and relationship with Jesus. It reveals the gravity of being known by Him and the weight of our actions. As believers, we cannot afford to take His grace lightly; rather, we must cultivate a vibrant relationship with Him, rooted deeply in love and obedience.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 7:23
As we conclude our exploration of Matthew 7:23, several lessons arise that we can embrace and apply in our lives. First and foremost, the importance of knowing Christ personally cannot be overstated. This means that we actively engage with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. By developing such practices, we strengthen our relationship with Him, allowing us to stand firm in faith against the challenges we may face.
A second lesson is the necessity of examining our hearts. We can reflect on our motivations for serving, worshipping, and living out our faith. Are we seeking recognition, or are we genuinely pursuing a connection with Christ? Self-examination pushes us to ask critical questions about our actions and whether they reflect a life transformed by God. In this journey, we seek to shed complacency and strive for authenticity in following Jesus.
Another powerful lesson is the warning against hypocrisy. As followers of Christ, we are called to a life of integrity and authenticity. We cannot afford to be casual in our relationship with Him or engage only in surface-level spirituality. Instead, we should live out our faith in every area of our lives. It’s essential for us to demonstrate love and kindness in our actions, mirroring the heart and character of Christ.
Moreover, the verse teaches us about the importance of accountability. Just as we examine ourselves, we should also encourage one another in our faith journeys. Together, we can spur each other on toward deeper relationship, avoiding complacency or superficiality. This communal aspect of faith is vital as we look out for one another, confiding in fellow believers and supporting each other in prayer and service.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on Matthew 7:23, we are invited to consider our relationship with Jesus Christ deeply. Are we merely going through the motions, or do we truly know Him and experience His love and grace? This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity in our faith. Let’s commit to a life in which we seek to genuinely know Him and allow that knowledge of Him to affect our actions and our interactions with others. Together, let us pursue a deeper connection that shapes our lives, making us instruments of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
We encourage you to explore other inspiring topics within the Bible, such as Matthew 11 and Genesis 18. Each passage can lead us to growth and a closer relationship with God.