What does "I never knew you" mean in Matthew 7:23? Passage “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:23) Immediate Literary Context Matthew 7:15-27 concludes the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus contrasts two gates, two trees, two confessions, and two foundations. Verse 23 is the climax of the “false confession” section (vv. 21-23): people calling Jesus “Lord, Lord” while lacking obedience to “the will of My Father in heaven.” The parallel in Luke 13:24-28 reinforces the same warning. Old Testament and Covenantal Background “Knowing” in Scripture regularly equals covenant fellowship. Yahweh says of Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth” (Amos 3:2). Likewise, Hosea depicts a broken relationship: “Israel cries to Me, ‘My God, we know You!’ … yet they set up kings without My consent” (Hosea 8:2-4). Jesus echoes this covenantal formula: outward claims do not equal covenant fidelity. Contrast Between Profession and Practice Verse 22 lists charismatic works—prophecy, exorcism, miracles—yet Christ calls them “workers of lawlessness.” Works done “in Your name” without obedience to His commands prove spurious. Scripture repeatedly equates lawlessness (ἀνομία) with sin (1 John 3:4) and final exclusion (Matthew 13:41). The Will of the Father (v. 21) Defined John 6:40 links the Father’s will to believing in the Son and receiving eternal life. 1 John 3:23 unites faith and love as the single command. Therefore, the will of God involves both trusting Christ’s redemptive work and bearing fruit that flows from that union (John 15:5-6). Salvific Implications a. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10), yet genuine faith produces “good works, which God prepared beforehand.” b. Jesus’ verdict shows that works, even supernatural, cannot earn standing; only a regenerative relationship initiated by God (John 1:12-13; Titus 3:5) suffices. c. The clause “I never knew you” refutes temporary salvation theories; those Christ knows, He knows eternally (John 10:14, 27-30; 2 Timothy 2:19). Cross-References Emphasizing Relational Knowledge • John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You… and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” • 1 Corinthians 8:3 – “But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” • Galatians 4:9 – “But now that you have come to know God—or rather to be known by God…” • 1 John 2:3-4 – “By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” Early Christian Witness Ignatius (ca. AD 110) warned of “those who confess with their lips but deny Him by their behavior” (Letter to the Magnesians 4). Chrysostom (Homilies on Matthew 23) insisted that prophecy and miracles apart from holiness “procure not the kingdom but punishment.” These patristic voices affirm Matthew 7:23’s historic interpretation. Theological Clarifications • Omniscience vs. Relational Knowledge: God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-4), yet “knowing” here is equivalent to adoptive acceptance (Romans 8:29). • Election and Human Responsibility: God’s foreknowledge and election (Ephesians 1:4-5) do not negate the necessity of persevering faith (Hebrews 3:14). • Perseverance: True disciples “continue in My word” (John 8:31). Those who fall away were “never” known (1 John 2:19). Pastoral and Evangelistic Applications 1. Self-Examination: “Test yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Assurance: Those walking in the light (1 John 1:7) may rest in the Shepherd’s promise that He “knows His own” (John 10:14). 3. Evangelism: Appeal to nominal believers—miraculous gifting, lineage, or service titles cannot substitute for repentance and faith. 4. Discipleship: Prioritize heart obedience over performance metrics; cultivate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Relation to Final Judgment Imagery The phrase “depart from Me” recalls Psalm 6:8 (“Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity”) and foreshadows the eschatological separation in Matthew 25:41-46. Jesus, as Judge, enforces covenant realities. Summary Definition “I never knew you” is Christ’s judicial declaration that a person who professes allegiance yet lives in unrepentant lawlessness was never in saving relationship with Him. It asserts the necessity of authentic, obedient faith as opposed to mere verbal or charismatic display. Final Exhortation Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isaiah 55:6), trust wholly in the risen Christ for pardon, and walk by the Spirit. In that living fellowship we hear the opposite verdict: “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25:21). |
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