Acts 23:3

KJV

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} said {G2036} Paul {G3972} unto {G4314} him {G846}, God {G2316} shall {G3195} smite {G5180} thee {G4571}, thou whited {G2867} wall {G5109}: for {G2532} sittest {G2521} thou {G4771} to judge {G2919} me {G3165} after {G2596} the law {G3551}, and {G2532} commandest {G2753} me {G3165} to be smitten {G5180} contrary to the law {G3891}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Sha’ul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Will you sit there judging me according to the Torah, yet in violation of the Torah order me to be struck?”

Berean Standard Bible

Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”

American Standard Version

Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: and sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Acts 23:3, the Apostle Paul, standing trial before the Sanhedrin, delivers a sharp prophetic rebuke to the High Priest Ananias. Having been unjustly commanded to be struck on the mouth, Paul condemns Ananias as a "whited wall," accusing him of hypocrisy for sitting as a judge according to the Law while simultaneously violating that very Law by ordering an unlawful assault. This powerful declaration underscores Paul's unwavering commitment to justice and truth, even in the face of corrupt religious authority, and foreshadows divine retribution for such unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Paul's ministry, following his arrest in Jerusalem and his defense before the Jewish crowd (Acts 21-22). Immediately preceding this verse, Paul begins his defense before the Sanhedrin by declaring his good conscience before God ([Acts 23:1](/acts/23-1 "Acts 23:1 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin")). High Priest Ananias, without allowing Paul to complete his statement or offering any legal justification, orders those standing by Paul to strike him on the mouth ([Acts 23:2](/acts/23-2 "Acts 23:2 - Ananias's Unjust Command")). Paul's fiery response in [Acts 23:3](/acts/23-3 "Acts 23:3 - Paul's Rebuke to Ananias") is a direct reaction to this egregious violation of judicial process, highlighting the immediate tension and conflict within the Sanhedrin chamber. The subsequent verses reveal Paul's realization of Ananias's identity and his immediate apology, demonstrating his respect for the office of the High Priest despite the individual's corruption ([Acts 23:4-5](/acts/23-4-5 "Acts 23:4-5 - Paul's Apology and Explanation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Sanhedrin was the supreme Jewish judicial and legislative council, consisting of 71 members, including the High Priest, elders, and scribes. Its proceedings were governed by strict adherence to Mosaic Law, which mandated fair hearings and prohibited striking an accused person before conviction (cf. [Deuteronomy 25:1-2](/deuteronomy/25-1-2 "Deuteronomy 25:1-2 - Rules for Punishment")). Ananias son of Nebedeus, who served as High Priest from approximately 47-59 AD, was notorious for his greed, violence, and corruption, often exploiting his position for personal gain and even resorting to assassination. His actions here were characteristic of his oppressive rule, making Paul's accusation of hypocrisy particularly apt and historically grounded. Paul, as a Roman citizen, also possessed certain legal rights that were being violated, though his immediate protest here focuses on the breach of Jewish law.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's confrontation with Ananias contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **hypocrisy and injustice** within religious leadership, where outward piety masks inner corruption and a disregard for the very law they claim to uphold. Ananias's actions directly contradict the principles of justice found in [the Law of Moses](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21-24 - The Book of the Covenant"). Secondly, the passage highlights **divine judgment** and the belief that God sees and will ultimately address all acts of unrighteousness, especially those committed by those in positions of authority. Paul's declaration, "God shall smite thee," is not merely an outburst but a prophetic statement rooted in a conviction of God's sovereign justice, echoing similar pronouncements against unjust rulers in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 58:6](/psalms/58-6 "Psalm 58:6 - Prayer for Justice")). Finally, it underscores **Paul's prophetic boldness and commitment to truth**. Despite being a prisoner facing powerful adversaries, Paul courageously calls out the blatant injustice, demonstrating his unwavering allegiance to God's standards above human authority, a characteristic seen throughout his ministry (e.g., [Acts 4:19-20](/acts/4-19-20 "Acts 4:19-20 - Peter and John's Boldness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **smite (Greek, _týptō_):** Based on G5180, this primary verb means "to 'thump', i.e. cudgel or pummel (properly, with a stick or bastinado), but in any case by repeated blows." It implies a more severe and repeated form of striking compared to other Greek words for a single blow. Paul's use of this word, echoing Ananias's command, highlights the violent and unjust nature of the High Priest's action, and prophetically, the severity of the divine judgment Paul declares.
* **whited (Greek, _koniáō_):** Derived from G2867, meaning "to whitewash." This verb describes the act of covering a surface with a white coating, typically lime. In the context of a "whited wall," it evokes an image of something appearing clean and sound on the exterior but potentially concealing decay, cracks, or instability underneath. Paul uses this to expose Ananias's outward pretense of righteousness.
* **contrary to the law (Greek, _paranoméō_):** From G3891, this compound word literally means "to be opposed to law, i.e. to transgress." It precisely describes Ananias's action as a flagrant violation of established legal and moral principles. Paul's accusation is not merely an emotional outburst but a precise theological and legal indictment of the High Priest's conduct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] whited wall:"** Paul's immediate and forceful response to the High Priest's unjust command is a declaration of divine judgment. The phrase "God shall smite thee" is a prophetic curse, asserting that God will bring retribution upon Ananias for his lawless act. The epithet "whited wall" is a vivid and scathing metaphor, likening Ananias to a wall that is outwardly clean and respectable due to a coat of whitewash, but inwardly corrupt, unstable, or decaying. This accusation directly targets Ananias's hypocrisy, as he, a supposed upholder of God's Law, has just blatantly violated it.
* **"for sittest thou to judge me after the law,"** This clause highlights the profound irony and injustice of the situation. Paul points out Ananias's official role and position: he sits as a judge, implying he is meant to administer justice and uphold the Law of Moses. The phrase "after the law" emphasizes the expectation that Ananias's judgments should be in strict accordance with divine statutes and established legal procedures. This sets up the stark contrast with Ananias's actual behavior.
* **"and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?"** This final clause directly exposes Ananias's transgression. Paul juxtaposes the High Priest's duty to judge "after the law" with his command to have Paul "smitten contrary to the law." The Greek term for "contrary to the law" (G3891, _paranoméō_) underscores the illegality and moral bankruptcy of Ananias's order. It was a fundamental principle of Jewish law that an accused person should not be punished before a fair hearing and conviction. Ananias's command was an arbitrary act of violence, a clear abuse of power that violated the very legal framework he was sworn to uphold.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is rich with **Irony**, as the High Priest, who is supposed to embody and enforce the Law, is the one who flagrantly violates it by ordering Paul to be struck without due process. This highlights the profound moral and spiritual corruption within the leadership. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically in Paul's scathing description of Ananias as a "whited wall." This image, also used by Jesus (cf. [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Whited Sepulchres")), powerfully conveys the idea of outward appearance masking inner decay, hypocrisy, and corruption. Paul's declaration, "God shall smite thee," functions as a **Prophetic Denunciation**, not merely an angry retort, but a divinely inspired pronouncement of judgment against injustice, echoing the Old Testament prophets who condemned corrupt leaders. Finally, the direct address to Ananias employs **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses someone or something not present or unable to respond, though in this case, Ananias is present and the target of the address, making it a direct, confrontational challenge.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's rebuke of Ananias in [Acts 23:3](/acts/23-3 "Acts 23:3 - Paul's Rebuke") is a profound theological statement on divine justice, human accountability, and the nature of true authority. It underscores the biblical principle that God holds those in positions of power to a higher standard, especially when they claim to represent Him. Ananias's hypocrisy reveals a spiritual blindness that prioritizes outward conformity or personal power over the righteous application of God's Law. Paul's prophetic declaration, "God shall smite thee," is a testament to the conviction that God is the ultimate judge, and no act of injustice, particularly from those who pervert justice in His name, will go unpunished. This incident serves as a stark reminder that true righteousness is not found in titles or positions, but in integrity of heart and adherence to God's just character.

* [Deuteronomy 25:1-2](/deuteronomy/25-1-2 "Deuteronomy 25:1-2 - Rules for Punishment")
* [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Whited Sepulchres")
* [1 Peter 4:17](/1_peter/4-17 "1 Peter 4:17 - Judgment Begins at the House of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's bold confrontation with Ananias serves as a timeless model for believers facing injustice and hypocrisy, particularly from those in positions of authority. It calls us to cultivate a keen spiritual discernment that looks beyond outward appearances and titles to the true character and actions of individuals. We are challenged to stand for truth and righteousness, even when it is unpopular or personally costly, trusting that God is ultimately the one who vindicates the just and judges the wicked. This passage reminds us that God's standards of justice apply equally to all, and those who wield power, especially within religious contexts, bear a greater responsibility to uphold integrity and fairness. It encourages us to pray for and speak out against corruption, knowing that our God is a God of justice who sees all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's response challenge my own tendency to remain silent in the face of injustice, especially when it comes from those in authority?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be guilty of being a "whited wall"—presenting an outward appearance of piety while harboring inner inconsistencies or injustices?**
* **How does the certainty of God's ultimate judgment on injustice shape my perspective on current events and my call to act justly?**

### FAQ

**Was Paul's statement "God shall smite thee" a curse, and was it appropriate for an apostle?**

Answer: Paul's statement, "God shall smite thee," was not merely an emotional curse but a prophetic denunciation of injustice. Given Ananias's flagrant violation of the Law while sitting as a judge, Paul's words reflect a righteous indignation rooted in a deep understanding of divine justice. It was a declaration that God would hold Ananias accountable for his unrighteous act, echoing the pronouncements of Old Testament prophets against corrupt leaders. While Paul later apologizes for reviling the High Priest (as he was unaware of Ananias's identity at that moment, or perhaps acknowledging the office's sanctity despite the man's corruption, as per [Exodus 22:28](/exodus/22-28 "Exodus 22:28 - Do Not Revile God or Curse a Ruler")), his initial outburst was a powerful, Spirit-inspired response to a profound perversion of justice. It highlights that even apostles, filled with the Spirit, could respond with righteous anger to blatant sin.

**What was the fate of Ananias, the High Priest? Did God "smite" him as Paul prophesied?**

Answer: Historical sources outside the Bible confirm that Ananias's end was indeed violent, fulfilling Paul's prophetic declaration. Josephus records that during the Jewish revolt against Rome, Ananias and his brother were hunted down by Jewish Sicarii (a radical group) in 66 AD and murdered. This occurred several years after Paul's trial in [Acts 23](/acts/23 "Acts 23 - Paul Before the Sanhedrin"). While the "smiting" was carried out by human agents, many biblical scholars interpret this event as God's providential judgment upon Ananias for his corruption and abuse of power, including his unjust treatment of Paul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's encounter with Ananias and his prophetic denunciation of the "whited wall" find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Firstly, Jesus Himself was the ultimate target of such hypocritical religious authority, being condemned and crucified by those who claimed to uphold God's Law but were inwardly corrupt (e.g., [John 19:7](/john/19-7 "John 19:7 - The Jews' Accusation")). Jesus frequently exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and religious leaders, famously calling them "whitewashed tombs" (a parallel metaphor to "whited walls") in [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Jesus Condemns the Pharisees"), which outwardly appear beautiful but are full of death and uncleanness. Secondly, Christ is the perfect embodiment of the Law and justice, unlike Ananias who perverted it. He fulfilled the Law not by outward adherence alone, but by a perfect heart of obedience and love ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Thirdly, Jesus is the ultimate Judge, before whom all, including those in authority, will one day stand. Paul's declaration "God shall smite thee" ultimately points to Christ, who has been given all authority to judge ([John 5:22](/john/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Son as Judge")). The justice that Paul prophetically invoked against Ananias is fully realized in the righteous judgment of Christ, who will ultimately expose all hidden corruption and bring all things into the light, ensuring that true justice prevails in His kingdom ([2 Timothy 4:1](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ's Future Judgment")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 25:1

¶ If there be a controversy between men, and they come unto judgment, that [the judges] may judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked.

Deuteronomy 25:2

And it shall be, if the wicked man [be] worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.

John 7:51

Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?

Matthew 23:27

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead [men's] bones, and of all uncleanness.

Matthew 23:28

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Leviticus 19:15

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: [but] in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

Leviticus 19:35

Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure.