TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
Woe G3759 unto you G5213, scribes G1122 and G2532 Pharisees G5330, hypocrites G5273! for G3754 ye are like G3945 unto whited G2867 sepulchres G5028, which G3748 indeed G3303 appear G5316 beautiful G5611 outward G1855, but G1161 are within G2081 full G1073 of dead G3498 men's bones G3747, and G2532 of all G3956 uncleanness G167.
Complete Jewish Bible
"Woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look fine on the outside but inside are full of dead people's bones and all kinds of rottenness.
Berean Standard Bible
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity.
American Standard Version
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
World English Bible Messianic
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Wo be to you, Scribes and Pharises, hypocrites: for ye are like vnto whited tombes, which appeare beautifull outward, but are within full of dead mens bones, and all filthines.
Young's Literal Translation
`Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye are like to whitewashed sepulchres, which outwardly indeed do appear beautiful, and within are full of bones of dead men, and of all uncleanness;
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In the KJVVerse 23,946 of 31,102
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
On the Resurrection of the Flesh
Wherefore that also must be held to be the resurrection, when a man is reanimated by access to the truth, and having dispersed the death of ignorance, and being endowed with new life by God, has burst forth from the sepulchre of the old man, even as the Lord likened the scribes and Pharisees to "whited sepulchres." Whence it follows that they who have by faith attained to the resurrection, are with the Lord after they have once put Him on in their baptism.
Origen of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 253
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
This discourse instructs us that we should hasten to become righteous, not to seem so. For whoso seeks to be thought so, cleanses the outside, and has care of the things that are seen, but neglects the heart and conscience. But he who seeks to cleanse that which is within, that is, the thoughts, makes by that means the things without clean also. All professors of false doctrine are cups cleansed on the outside, because of that show of religion which they affect, but within they are full of extortion and guile, hurrying men into error. The cup is a vessel for liquids, the platter for meat. Every discourse then of which we spiritually drink, and all speech by which we are fed, are vessels for meat and drink. They who study to set forth well wrought discourse rather than such as is full of healthful meaning, are cups cleansed without; but within full of the defilement of vanity. Also the letter of the Law and the Prophets is a cup of spiritual drink, and a platter of necessary food. The Scribes and Pharisees seek to make plain the outward sense; Christ's disciples labour to exhibit the spiritual sense.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 73
After this, He again derides them for vainglory, calling them "whited sepulchers" and unto all adding, "ye hypocrites;" which thing is the cause of all their evils, and the origin of their ruin. And He did not merely call them whited sepulchers, but said, that they were full of uncleanness and hypocrisy. And these things He spake, indicating the cause wherefore they did not believe, because they were full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
But these things not Christ only, but the prophets also constantly lay to their charge, that they spoil, that their rulers judge not according to the rule of justice, and every where you may find the sacrifices indeed refused, but these things required. So that there is nothing strange, nothing new, neither in the lawgiving, nor in the accusation, nay not even in the comparison of the sepulchre. For the prophet makes mention thereof, neither did he call them merely a sepulchre, "but their throat an open sepulchre."
Such are many men now also, decking themselves indeed outwardly, but full of iniquity within. For now too there is many a mode, and many a care for outward purifications, but of those in the soul not so much as one. But if indeed any one should tear open each man's conscience, many worms and much corruption would he find, and an ill savor beyond utterance; unreasonable and wicked lusts I mean, which are more unclean than worms.
But that "they" should be such persons is not "so" dreadful a thing (although it be dreadful), but that "you," that have been counted worthy to become temples of God, should of a sudden have become sepulchers, having as much ill savor, this is extreme wretchedness. He in whom Christ dwells, and the Holy Spirit hath worked, and such great mysteries, that this man should be a sepulchre, what wretchedness is this? What mournings and lamentations doth this call for, when the members of Christ have become a tomb of uncleanness? Consider how thou wast born, of what things thou hast been counted worthy, what manner of garment thou hast received, how thou wast built a temple without a breach! how fair! not adorned with gold, neither with pearls, but with the spirit that is more precious than these.
Consider that no sepulchre is made in a city, so then neither shalt thou be able to appear in the city above. For if here this is forbidden, much more there. Or rather even here thou art an object of scorn to all, bearing about a dead soul, and not to be scorned only, but also to be shunned. For tell me, if any one were to go round, bearing about a dead body, would not all have rushed away? would not all have fled? Think this now likewise. For thou goest about, bearing a spectacle far more grievous than this, a soul deadened by sins, a soul paralyzed.
Who now will pity such a one? For when thou dost not pity thine own soul, how shall another pity him that is so cruel, such an enemy to himself? If any one, where thou didst sleep and eat, had buried a dead body, what wouldest thou not have done? but thou art burying a dead soul, not where thou dinest, nor where thou sleepest, but in the members of Christ: and art thou not afraid lest a thousand lightnings and thunderbolts be hurled from above upon thine head?
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 27, 28.) Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful to people, but inside are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to people, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. Just as he had shown with the cup and dish, that they were clean on the outside but dirty on the inside, he now repeats the same example with tombs: how tombs are whitewashed on the outside and decorated with marble and gold and different colors, but inside they are full of dead people's bones. This is how the perverse teachers, who teach one thing and do another, demonstrate cleanliness with their clothing and humility of speech, but inside they are full of all uncleanness and desire. Finally, this expresses more clearly the very thing itself, inferring: Thus you indeed appear just to men on the outside: but within, you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Sepulchres are whitened with lime without, and decorated with marble painted in gold and various colours, but within are full of dead men's bones. Thus crooked teachers who teach one thing and do another, affect purity in their dress, and humility in their speech, but within are full of all uncleanness, covetousness, and lust.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
The monks praised a brother to Antony. Antony went to him and tested him to see if he could endure being insulted. When he saw that he could not bear it, he said to him, ‘You are like a house with a highly decorated outside, but burglars have stolen all the furniture by the back door.’
Pseudo-Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 500
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Justly are the bodies of the righteous said to be temples, because in the body of the righteous the soul has dominion, as God in His temple; or because God Himself dwells in righteous bodies. But the bodies of sinners are called sepulchres of the dead, because the sinner's soul is dead in his body; for that cannot be deemed to be alive, which does no spiritual or living act.
But say, hypocrite, if it be good to be wicked, why do you not desire to seem that which you desire to be? For what it is shameful to seem, that it is more shameful to be; and what to seem is fair, that it is fairer to be. Either therefore be what you seem, or seem what you are.
Gregory the Dialogist (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 604
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Mor. xxvi. 32.) But before their strict Judge they cannot have the plea of ignorance, for by assuming in the eyes of men every form of sanctity, they witness against themselves that they are not ignorant how to live well.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:27, Jesus delivers a scathing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, labeling them "hypocrites" and likening them to "whited sepulchres." This powerful metaphor exposes the profound chasm between their meticulously crafted outward appearance of piety and their inner spiritual corruption, revealing a core theme of religious pretense versus genuine righteousness. It serves as a stark warning against external religiosity devoid of true heart transformation and an indictment of those who, despite appearing righteous, lead others astray through their spiritual deadness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Matthew 23:27 is rich in literary devices that amplify Jesus' message. The most prominent is Metaphor, where Jesus directly equates the scribes and Pharisees to "whited sepulchres." This comparison is not merely illustrative but deeply condemnatory, drawing a direct parallel between the physical reality of a tomb (outwardly clean, inwardly decaying) and the spiritual condition of the religious leaders. Closely related is Symbolism, where the "dead men's bones" and "uncleanness" within the sepulchre symbolize the spiritual death, moral corruption, and defilement that characterized the hearts and lives of the Pharisees, despite their outward appearance of piety. The entire verse is built upon a profound Contrast between appearance and reality, outward show and inward truth. This stark juxtaposition highlights the hypocrisy that Jesus so vehemently condemns, emphasizing the chasm between what the Pharisees presented to the world and what they truly were before God. Furthermore, there is an element of Irony in Jesus' statement, as the very people who were most concerned with ritual purity and avoiding defilement were themselves, in Jesus' eyes, the epitome of spiritual uncleanness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:27 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of true righteousness and the dangers of religious pretense. It underscores God's unwavering focus on the heart and inner transformation, rather than mere external observance. This passage reveals that outward religious acts, no matter how meticulously performed, are meaningless and even offensive to God if they do not spring from a heart transformed by genuine faith, humility, and love. The "whited sepulchres" represent a spiritual deadness that not only fails to honor God but also actively hinders others from entering into a true relationship with Him. This warning extends beyond the historical context, challenging all who claim to follow God to examine their motives and ensure that their internal reality aligns with their external profession, recognizing that God sees beyond the facade.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:27 is a timeless mirror, inviting us to critically examine the condition of our own hearts and the authenticity of our faith. In a world often preoccupied with appearances and social validation, Jesus' words remind us that true spirituality is not about what others see, but what God knows. It challenges us to move beyond superficial religiosity, public displays of piety, or adherence to traditions for tradition's sake. Instead, we are called to cultivate an inner life of integrity, purity, and genuine devotion to Christ. This means confronting our own tendencies towards hypocrisy, acknowledging our hidden sins, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. The goal is not to impress others or earn God's favor through outward works, but to live a life that genuinely reflects the character of Christ, marked by humility, love, and truth in our deepest being.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Jesus calling the scribes and Pharisees "hypocrites"?
Answer: Jesus' use of the term "hypocrites" (Greek, hypokritēs') is highly significant because it refers to an actor or stage-player who performs a role, often behind a mask. By calling the scribes and Pharisees "hypocrites," Jesus was not merely insulting them; He was making a precise theological accusation. He was revealing that their religious devotion was a performance, a facade designed to impress others and gain social standing, rather than a genuine expression of a transformed heart before God. They were putting on a show of righteousness, meticulously observing external rituals and traditions, while their inner lives were filled with pride, covetousness, and spiritual corruption. This accusation highlights the stark contrast between outward appearance and inner reality, a central theme in Jesus' critique of the religious establishment, as seen in passages like Matthew 6:1-18.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:27, with its vivid condemnation of hypocrisy, points powerfully to Christ as the ultimate embodiment of truth and inner purity. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who were "whited sepulchres" concealing death and uncleanness, Jesus is the very source of life and purity. He consistently prioritized the heart over external show, teaching that true righteousness flows from within (Matthew 15:18-19). He did not merely appear righteous; He was righteous, without sin (Hebrews 4:15). The "dead men's bones" within the sepulchres represent the spiritual death that sin brings, a death that Jesus came to conquer. He is the resurrection and the life, offering true spiritual life to all who believe in Him (John 11:25). Furthermore, the ceremonial uncleanness associated with tombs is directly contrasted by Christ's ability to make the unclean clean, not by avoiding defilement, but by absorbing it on the cross and offering His own perfect righteousness as a covering (2 Corinthians 5:21). Thus, Matthew 23:27, while a severe warning, ultimately magnifies the perfect and unblemished purity of Christ, who alone can cleanse the "inside of the cup" and transform hearts from spiritual death to life (Luke 11:39-41).