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 23, Jesus serves up some spicy critiques of the Scribes and Pharisees. The notorious "seven woes" highlight the disconnect between their outward piety and inward integrity. Imagine setting expectations for holiness but losing sight of compassion! What’s fascinating is to see how the Gospels tailor Jesus’ messages for different audiences.

While Matthew gives us that full seven, Luke opts for a shorter six; you even get various vibes based on the situation at hand. Luke’s portraits usually hint more at social equality, while Matthew digs deeper into religious practices—quite the stylistic flavor difference! And that infamous verse 14 missing in some manuscripts? It reminds us that ancient texts were often edited, showing that the authors had their unique messages, intended for their communities.

Now these woes aren’t just ancient criticisms; they carry lessons for today. They challenge us to stack up our actions against our values—not a bad self-check for our own lives. Plus, one fun fact: the seven woes resonate with the seven "I AM" statements found in John's Gospel, both shaping a framework that underscores the weight of hypocrisy versus true understanding. This echoes throughout scripture; just as the prophetic tradition often called out injustice, Jesus continues that legacy, urging each of us to look beyond the surface and seek genuine spirituality. How powerful—and timeless!