Matthew 7:23

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:23 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 7:23 concludes Jesus’ warning about false prophets in the Sermon on the Mount. He has just described people who claim to have prophesied, cast out demons, and done many wonderful works in His name (Matthew 7:22). Now He gives the sobering verdict that awaits those who practiced such things without a true relationship with Him.

Meaning

“And then will I profess unto them” points to a future day of judgment when Jesus Himself will personally address these individuals. “I never knew you” does not mean Jesus was unaware of them; rather, He never had an intimate, saving relationship with them. “Depart from me” is the command of exclusion from His presence and kingdom. “Ye that work iniquity” describes a lifestyle of sin, for the Greek word translated “iniquity” (anomia) means lawlessness or persistent disobedience to God’s commands.

Biblical connections

This warning connects directly to the wise and foolish builders that follow in Matthew 7:24-27. True discipleship is not merely saying “Lord, Lord” but hearing and doing the words of Christ. The same Greek concept of knowing God appears in John 16:3, where failure to know the Father and the Son leads to actions opposed to God. Here, the issue is not ignorance but a willful rejection of His lordship, shown by a life of unrepentant sin.

Application

Religious activity alone does not guarantee a relationship with God. It is possible to be busy in church work, or even to see remarkable results, and still not be known by Christ. Examine your own heart: Are you genuinely seeking Jesus and following His teachings? Guard against self-deception by regularly evaluating your motives against God’s Word. Pursue righteousness, relying on the Holy Spirit to transform you from within, so that your outward life matches an inward faith.

Reflection

This verse is not meant to instil fear but to call us to honest self-examination. The assurance of salvation rests not on our works but on being known by Christ and producing the fruit of obedience. Let this warning lead you to a deeper, more genuine relationship with Jesus, so that your life reflects His lordship in both word and deed.