Matthew 3:7

But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — John the Baptist confronts Pharisees and Sadducees arriving at his baptism site. He addresses them directly as they approach his place of baptism.

The words — Ἰδὼν (Idōn) means "having seen" and records John's observation of the approaching group. ἐρχομένους (erchomenous) translates to "coming" and describes their physical movement toward the baptismal location.

The thread — Jesus repeats the "brood of vipers" rebuke in Matthew 12:34 and Matthew 23:33, while Matthew 22:23 records the Sadducees questioning Him about resurrection. The phrase tracks the recorded conflict between Jesus and the religious establishment.

Why it lands — The text states that outward ritual participation does not guarantee deliverance from judgment. It requires readers to verify whether their faith produces tangible repentance rather than relying on religious heritage or attendance.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

Cross-references

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Matthew 22:23 That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus and questioned Him.
Matthew 23:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell?
Romans 5:9 Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!
1 Thessalonians 1:10 and to await His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus our deliverer from the coming wrath.
Matthew 16:6 “Watch out!” Jesus told them. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Matthew 23:13 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
Jeremiah 6:10 To whom can I give this warning? Who will listen to me? Look, their ears are closed, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it.
Matthew 16:11 How do you not understand that I was not telling you about bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”