The answer is: Seven

Matt 23 - In Luke there are only six, but they do not occur at the same point in the narrative. v14 isn't present in older manuscripts so there are considered to be seven woes and not eight

In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus goes to town on the Scribes and Pharisees, pronouncing a full set of seven woes that critique their practices and highlight their hypocrisy. This whole scene, found in Matthew 23, serves as a passionate callout against leaders who prioritize ritual over genuine goodness. By emphasizing the number seven, a number often associated with completion in biblical writing, Matthew underscores the gravity of their failures.

Fun fact: In biblical numerology, the number seven frequently pops up, from the seven days of creation in Genesis to the seven churches in Revelation. It’s God's special touch of fullness and perfection, done being recognized to signify that these woes were indeed seriously needed!

Interestingly, while Luke also gives a version of the woes, Matthew elevates the intensity with all seven laying out various criticisms like burdening the faithful and neglecting justice—a foreshadowing of the universal values that even some contemporary figures reference in advocating for social justice.

In fact, these cries against legalism remain their own echoes throughout the New Testament, demonstrating one of Jesus’ fundamental messages: true spirituality is about love, compassion, and integrity over rigid rule-following. The context around the woes paints a larger picture of reform; Jesus firmly opposed any interpretation of spirituality that sacrificed humanity on the altar of law. Who wouldn't appreciate that, centuries later?