Matthew 7:21-23

Context

Judgment of Pretenders

7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’¹ 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 do² many powerful deeds?’ 7:23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’³

[7:21] ¹sn The double use of the vocative is normally used in situations of high emotion or emphasis. Even an emphatic confession without action means little.

[7:22] ²tn Grk “and in your name do.” This phrase was not repeated here in the translation for stylistic reasons.

[7:23] ³tn Grk “workers of lawlessness.”