Matthew 7:23
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus's solemn pronouncement, "I never knew you," isn't about a past relationship that ended, but a fundamental lack of true connection from the very beginning. The Greek word used here for "profess" is the same one used for openly confessing Christ; here, it's Christ openly declaring His complete lack of recognition for these workers of lawlessness, despite their outward claims and actions.
This verse concludes Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, following His warnings about false prophets and the importance of obedience over mere profession. Jesus is describing the final judgment, where many who performed outwardly impressive religious acts in His name will be shocked to hear His pronouncement. They believed their "works" would grant them entry, but He reveals their true standing before God.
Imagine standing before the ultimate Judge, expecting praise for your good deeds. What if the response is a stark, public rejection?
Jesus uses the word 'profess' (homologeso) here, the same word used for believers openly confessing Christ. But here, it's Christ making a public, authoritative declaration as Judge.
What does it truly mean for Jesus to 'know' someone? It's far deeper than simply recognizing a name or face.
When Jesus says, 'I never knew you,' He's not talking about a lack of recognition. He's stating a profound absence of genuine relationship and approval.
Understand the original words
anomia · Greek Noun
A state of being characterized by a rejection of God's revealed instruction. It is the active opposition to or disregard for divine moral standards and law.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' words, where He says, 'but he will say, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will begin to say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.” But he will say, “I tell you, I do not know where you come from.”'
1 John 2:19This verse explains that those who leave the community were never truly part of it, stating, 'They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.'
2 Timothy 2:19This verse offers a powerful contrast, highlighting God's unwavering knowledge of His own: 'But God's firm foundation stands, having this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”'
Matthew 10:32This verse presents the positive counterpart to Jesus' declaration, promising, 'So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.'
Psalm 1:6This Psalm provides an Old Testament perspective on God's discernment between the righteous and the wicked, stating, 'for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.'
vincentMatthew 7:23: "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Profess (ὁμολογήσω)The word which is used elsewhere of open confession of Christ before men (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9); of John's public declaration that he was not the Christ (John 1:20); of Herod's promise to Salome in the presence of his guests (Matthew 14:7). Here, therefore, of Christ's open, public declaration as Judge of the world. "There is great authority in this saying," rem…
barnesMatthew 7:23: "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Profess unto them - Say unto them; plainly declare. I never knew you - That is, I never approved of your conduct; never loved you; never regarded you as my friends. See Psalm 1:6; 2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Corinthians 8:3. This proves that, with all their pretensions, they had never been true followers of Christ. Jesus will not then say to false prophets and false professors of religion that he h…
Jesus's solemn pronouncement, "I never knew you," isn't about a past relationship that ended, but a fundamental lack of true connection from the very beginning. The Greek word used here for "profess" is the same one used for openly confessing Christ; here, it's Christ openly declaring His complete lack of recognition for these workers of lawlessness, despite their outward claims and actions.
This verse concludes Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, following His warnings about false prophets and the importance of obedience over mere profession. Jesus is describing the final judgment, where many who performed outwardly impressive religious acts in His name will be shocked to hear His pronouncement. They believed their "works" would grant them entry, but He reveals their true standing before God.
This verse concludes Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount, following His warnings about false prophets and the importance of obedience over mere profession. Jesus is describing the final judgment, where many who performed outwardly impressive religious acts in His name will be shocked to hear His pronouncement. They believed their "works" would grant them entry, but He reveals their true standing before God.
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Jesus contrasts 'workers of iniquity' with the 'Law.' What's the critical difference that leads to eternal separation?
The term translated as 'iniquity' (anomia) literally means 'lawlessness.' This isn't just about breaking rules; it's about a fundamental disregard for God's authority and order.
"And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’" — Jesus's solemn pronouncement, "I never knew you," isn't about a past relationship that ended, but a fundamental lack of true connection from the very beginning. The Greek word used here for "profess"…
