Matthew 23:13

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“But it is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! [It is] because you withhold the kingdom of heaven from people, for you do not enter it yourselves, nor [do you] allow those who are trying to enter it to get in.

Cross References

Luke 11:52

“It is too bad for you teachers of the Law of Moses! For you took away the key of knowledge [i.e., preventing people from understanding God’s plan]. You did not enter [the kingdom of heaven. See Matt. 23:13] yourselves, and [you even] prevented those who [wanted] to enter [to get in].”

Matthew 23:29

'It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you construct burial sites for the prophets and decorate the tombs of people who were righteous.

Matthew 23:27

'It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you are like white­washed tombs, used for burial [sites], which appear beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of the bones and decaying flesh of dead people.

Matthew 23:23

'It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill and cumin [i.e., small garden herbs used for seasoning or fragrance], and [yet] neglect the heavier responsibilities required by the law, [such as] justice, mercy and faith. You should have done these [“lighter”] things and not neglected to do the other [“heavier”] things [as well].

Acts 8:1

And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria.

2 Timothy 4:15

You should beware of him, for he strongly opposed our message.

2 Timothy 3:8

These people oppose the truth just like Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have corrupt minds and are worthless as far as the faith is concerned.

Acts 13:8

But the magician, [also] named Elymas [an Arabic-Semitic word] (which means “the magician”) opposed them, trying to discourage the governor from hearing about the faith.

Acts 5:40

And so the Council agreed [with Gamaliel's advice] and when they called the apostles back in, they had them beaten and ordered them never to speak in the name of Jesus [again]; then they released them.

Acts 5:28

“We strictly commanded you not to teach in this name [i.e., the name of Jesus] and look [what you have done]; you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to hold us responsible for this man’s [i.e., Jesus'] death.”

John 9:34

They replied to the beggar, “You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?” Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].

John 9:24

So, they called the [former] blind man a second time, and said to him, “Give honor to God [Note: In Jewish idiom this phrase meant “tell the truth.” See Josh. 7:19]; we know this man is a sinner.”

John 9:22

His parents said these things because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities who had already decided that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Christ would be expelled from the synagogue.

Matthew 23:25

'It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you [carefully] wash the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they [i.e., such evil people] are full of greed and uncontrolled desire.

Matthew 3:7

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, “You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]?

Matthew 23:16

“It is too bad for you blind leaders who say that whoever takes an oath ‘by the Temple,’ it does not [really] mean anything, but whoever takes an oath ‘by the gold of the Temple,’ he is obligated to [fulfill] the oath.