generation of vipers
Matthew 3:7
3:7 generation of vipers. This exceptionally harsh language was later used by Christ Himself (Matthew 12:34; 23:33). The sect of the Pharisees had become, in many cases, legalistic hypocrites, and the Sadducees were rationalists, denying the supernatural, especially the resurrection. Yet many of the priests were Sadducees. Presumably, both John and Christ would regard modern legalistic and rationalistic religionists with similar severity.