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
- Natasha’s Daily Scripture, Prayer, and Reflection for 4.9.19 “Integrity’ is the opposite of ‘hypocrisy’.
- Hold Fast to Righteousness
- Self-Righteousness Versus God-righteousness
- 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
- 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.
- Stand Firm in Your Faith
- 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
- False Humility, Dangerous Silence, and Mindless Meditation
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