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 the Gospel of Matthew, the chapter dedicated to the Scribes and Pharisees—Matthew 23—is like a fiery sermon that draws a vivid picture of Jesus' frustration with hypocrisy. He calls out these religious leaders with seven sharp “woes.” These woes are heavy with meaning; each one highlights behaviors and attitudes that mislead others and drift them away from authentic faith.

In Luke's account, it’s intriguing to see these woes paired back slightly, totaling six, but the differences illustrate a nuanced view of Jesus’ critique. The removal of verse 14 in some older manuscripts raises fascinating discussions about biblical transmission. It's almost like peeking behind the curtain of history to see how our texts have evolved over time. Each writer had their aims, and this contributes to a rich tapestry of Gospel accounts.

Here's a fun nugget: the word "woe" in biblical terms isn’t just a former way of saying "too bad!” It translates as a serious expression of grief or warning—a divine heads-up that serious consequences follow certain actions. This fits the style of prophetic admonitions throughout the Old Testament, where you often find “woes” echoing as repentant calls (think of the prophet Isaiah, for instance). It's through these taut statements that Jesus emphasizes urgent truth-telling, helping us reflect on both personal and communal integrity within a faith context. What an incredible way to draw attention to our lifelong journey towards honesty and purpose!