Matthew 7:21-23

Judgment of Pretenders

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 7:22 On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’ 7:23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’


sn The double use of the vocative is normally used in situations of high emotion or emphasis. Even an emphatic confession without action means little.

tn Grk “and in your name do.” This phrase was not repeated here in the translation for stylistic reasons.

tn Grk “workers of lawlessness.”