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, Jesus is quite passionate in His denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees, leading us to those infamous seven "woes." These statements are not just criticisms; they provide incredible insight into the priorities and actions of religious leaders in those times. Each woe is like a spotlight revealing the hypocrisy that had settled in some religious practices.

Many scholars find it interesting that while Matthew gives us this bold proclamation, Luke’s account recorded six, presenting a stark reminder that different perspectives bring unique understandings. This isn't unusual—various biblical authors sometimes focus on disparate details, which enrich the overarching narrative. The debated inclusion of v. 14, with its absence in some manuscripts, only serves to remind us of how history adopts layers over time.

Beyond just a conversation about numbers, the woes reflect a philosophical lesson about accountability. They underline the risk of external show over internal integrity—an ongoing theme not just pertinent then, but also for today’s readers. The image of “straining out a gnat but swallowing a camel” (Matt. 23:24) serves as a cheeky reminder to zoom in on our own spiritual practices. After all, it’s not just the powers of authority that need introspection; everyone can benefit from examining their own woe-worthy behaviors!