Matthew 7:23 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is warning his followers about the dangers of false prophets and false disciples.

In this passage, Jesus speaks about the importance of knowing someone by their fruits, meaning their actions and behavior. He goes on to say that not everyone who claims to follow him will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father in heaven. This verse, in particular, is a declaration from Jesus that he will reject those who claim to be his followers but who actually engage in sin and refuse to obey God's will.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning and significance. In the preceding verses, Jesus warns his followers to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. He emphasizes that true followers of Christ will produce good fruit, while false prophets and disciples will produce bad fruit. This sets the stage for his declaration in verse 23 that he will reject those who claim to be his followers but do not live according to his teachings.

The theme of this verse is the importance of genuine faith and obedience to God's will. Jesus is emphasizing that it is not enough to simply claim to be a follower of Christ; true disciples will demonstrate their faith through their actions and obedience to God. This verse serves as a warning to those who may claim to be followers of Christ but whose lives and actions do not reflect the teachings of Jesus. It underscores the need for authenticity and true discipleship.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the image of being known by Jesus. In biblical terms, to be known by God or Jesus is to have a personal and intimate relationship with them. It speaks to a deep connection and understanding of God's will and a commitment to living according to his teachings. When Jesus professes that he never knew the false disciples, it is a declaration of their lack of genuine relationship and intimacy with him. The symbolism here is a powerful reminder of the importance of true faith and obedience in the Christian life.

Overall, Matthew 7:23 in the King James Version of the Bible is a poignant and sobering reminder of the significance of authentic faith and obedience in the Christian life. It serves as a warning against the dangers of false discipleship and the importance of bearing good fruit as evidence of true discipleship. The verse carries a theme of authenticity and genuine faith, and its symbolism speaks to the intimate relationship between believers and God. It is an exhortation to truly know and follow Christ in both word and deed.