Definition: But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 23:13. It’s a really important and somewhat challenging part of the Gospel (the teachings of Jesus). Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that Jesus is disappointed with the people who followed him and were involved in religious practices. He's pointing out that they weren’t truly seeking God and weren’t open to receiving His kingdom. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "But woe unto you..." : This is a warning – Jesus feels bad about what's happening. "...scribes and Pharisees..." : This refers to two groups of Jewish leaders who were very important in the religious system at the time. They were responsible for interpreting the law (rules) and performing rituals. "...hypocrites!" : This is a crucial word. “Hypocrisy” means pretending to be something you’re not, or acting in a way that doesn't align with your true beliefs. They were focusing on outward displays of religious piety – wearing special robes, reciting words, etc. – but it wasn't really about connecting with God. "for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men..." : This is where the real message lies. Jesus was saying that they didn’t let people into the kingdom of Heaven – which is a place of eternal life and relationship with God – because they weren’t open to receiving it. "...for ye neither go in [yourselves], nor suffer ye them that are entering to go in." : This is the most shocking part. Jesus is saying that they (the scribes and Pharisees) were actively preventing people from entering into God's kingdom. They weren’t welcoming anyone, and they were even actively stopping those who wanted to enter. What does this mean for us today? This verse is a warning about the dangers of: Preaching and teaching that doesn't lead to genuine faith: If you are trying to teach people how to follow God through good works, but aren’t truly seeking Him, you're not inviting them into His kingdom. Fake religion: It warns against hypocrisy – pretending to be religious while not actually believing or acting in a way that reflects true faith. Not being open to God's grace: It reminds us that we need to be receptive to the Spirit of God and allow Him to transform our lives. In short, this verse is a call for humility and a focus on genuine relationship with God – not just outward displays of piety. Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV): A great way to read the verse in context. [Wikipedia - Matthew 23:13]: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_23%3A13](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_23%3A13) Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps relating it to a specific aspect of the story? For example, would you like me to elaborate on what "hypocrisy" means, or how this verse relates to Jesus' teachings about forgiveness and repentance?