Matthew 23:27-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 6: Whitewashed Graves

Matthew 23:27-28 – Woe 6: Whitewashed Graves

MT23:27 “WOE to you hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees because you are like whitewashed graves[1] which outside seem to appear beautiful but within are full of the bones of the dead every uncleanness![2] MT23:28 Just so you also give the appearance to others of righteousness[3] but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness![4]

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[1] You are like whitewashed graves: Or, KJV: whited sepulchres; RSV: white-washed tombs.

[2] Within are full of the bones of the dead every uncleanness: Or, KNX: all manner of corruption; NEB: all kinds of filth; MON: rottenness; BECK: every kind of decay.

[3] You also give the appearance to others of righteousness: RIEU: you are law-abiding men to outside view; NEB: outside you look like honest men; MOF: so to men you seem just; TCNT: to others you have the look of religious men. Compare 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Such pious clergy give a public persona of warm smiles, false humility, and a pseudo-love; they are completely different men behind closed doors and in judgments of others during star-chamber courts. They may claim to be righteous, or preach righteousness, while living a contradictory life.

[4] Hypocrisy and lawlessness: KJV: and iniquity; RIEU: and wickedness; NEB: brim-full of hypocrisy and crime. On the word “lawlessness” see the notes on Matthew 7:23, Matthew 13:41, and Matthew 24:12. Compare also 2 Thessalonians 2:7-11.

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Preceding

Matthew 23:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Prominence and Humility

Matthew 23:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Shutting Up the Kingdom

Matthew 23:15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 2: Evangelists of Gehenna

Matthew 23:16-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 3: Blind Guides and Gold

Matthew 23:23-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 4: A Disregard for Justice and Mercy

Matthew 23:25-26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 5: Greed and Uncleanness

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Related

1. Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 4.9.19 “Integrity’ is the opposite of ‘hypocrisy’.
2. Hold Fast to Righteousness
3. Self-Righteousness Versus God-righteousness
4. Just a Thought Do we really want to see ourselves and the world changed, or are we just going through the motions to look good? Matthew 23:27
5. Just a Thought Followers of Jesus should express their commitment to God in their words and their deeds, as well as in their inner motivation.
6. Stand Firm in Your Faith
7. Just a Thought Integrity. You either have it or you don’t. Your life shows others just who you are. If you think you can fool others then you are just that. A fool. Matthew 23:27
8. A Proud Man
9. False Humility – Introduction
10. False Humility, Dangerous Silence, and Mindless Meditation