Matthew 23:27

KJV

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.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Jesus' final and most severe public condemnation of the religious leaders in Jerusalem, delivered just days before His crucifixion. Matthew 23 records a series of seven "woes" (or eight, depending on interpretation of [Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Woe to those who shut up the kingdom")), each beginning with "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" These woes systematically dismantle the false righteousness of these leaders, exposing their pride, covetousness, legalism, and their ultimate rejection of God's true kingdom. Preceding this specific woe, Jesus has already condemned them for shutting up the kingdom of heaven ([Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Woe for shutting the kingdom")), making converts worse than themselves ([Matthew 23:15](/matthew/23-15 "Matthew 23:15 - Woe for proselytizing")), and their corrupted oaths ([Matthew 23:16-22](/matthew/23-16-22 "Matthew 23:16-22 - Woe for blind guides")). The "whited sepulchres" metaphor in [Matthew 23:27](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27 - Woe of Whited Sepulchres") and the "full of extortion and excess" ([Matthew 23:25](/matthew/23-25 "Matthew 23:25 - Woe of Clean Outside, Dirty Inside")) and "full of hypocrisy and iniquity" ([Matthew 23:28](/matthew/23-28 "Matthew 23:28 - Woe of Hypocrisy and Iniquity")) woes form a powerful trio that directly addresses their internal corruption, contrasting it with their external show.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Judaism, particularly around the time of major festivals like Passover, it was a common practice to whitewash tombs. This was done for two primary reasons: first, to make them visible and aesthetically pleasing, and second, and more importantly, to prevent accidental contact. According to Mosaic Law, touching a corpse or a grave rendered a person ceremonially unclean for seven days ([Numbers 19:16](/numbers/19-16 "Numbers 19:16 - Uncleanness from Touching a Corpse")). By whitewashing the tombs, especially those near roads or pathways, people could easily identify and avoid them, thus preventing inadvertent defilement before entering the temple or participating in sacred rituals. The Pharisees, known for their meticulous adherence to ritual purity laws, would have been particularly zealous about such practices. Jesus' metaphor, therefore, would have been immediately understood by His audience, highlighting the stark contrast between the external appearance of purity and the internal reality of death and defilement.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and Jesus' teaching. The central theme is **Hypocrisy Unveiled**, as Jesus directly calls the scribes and Pharisees "hypocrites," exposing their pretense of piety. This links to the broader emphasis on **Inner Purity vs. Outward Observance**, a recurring critique of the religious establishment throughout Jesus' ministry (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Teaching on Giving, Prayer, and Fasting") regarding giving, praying, and fasting for show). The "dead men's bones" imagery underscores the theme of **Spiritual Death and Defilement**, contrasting sharply with the life and purity that Jesus brings. It also foreshadows the ultimate rejection of Jesus by these leaders, who, despite their religious authority, are spiritually dead and unable to recognize the Messiah. This woe, along with others in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"), serves as a profound warning against self-righteousness and the dangers of religious legalism that prioritizes human traditions over God's true heart for justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe for Tithing Mint, Anise, and Cummin")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs'_):** From G5273, meaning "an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler." Jesus' use of this term is not merely a harsh insult but a precise theological indictment. It highlights that the scribes and Pharisees were not genuinely living out the righteousness they publicly professed. They were performing a religious role, wearing a mask of piety to gain human applause and esteem, rather than seeking true righteousness before God. Their actions were a performance, not an expression of inner transformation.
* **Whited (Greek, _koniáō'_):** From G2867, meaning "to whitewash." This verb describes the act of covering tombs with lime or whitewash. The term vividly portrays the superficiality of the Pharisees' righteousness. Just as a coat of whitewash covers the decay and defilement of a tomb, their external religious practices (fasting, long prayers, tithing) covered the corruption of their hearts. The outward appearance was bright and clean, but it concealed a grim reality beneath.
* **Uncleanness (Greek, _akatharsía'_):** From G167, meaning "impurity (the quality), physically or morally." This word describes the state of being defiled, both ritually and ethically. In the context of the sepulchre, it refers to the ritual impurity associated with dead bodies. Spiritually, it signifies moral corruption, sin, and spiritual defilement. Jesus implies that despite their outward show of purity, the scribes and Pharisees were inwardly filled with moral depravity and spiritual impurity, rendering them truly "unclean" in God's sight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!":** This is Jesus' direct and severe address. "Woe" (G3759, _ouaí'_) is an exclamation of lament and judgment, indicating impending doom or divine displeasure. The "scribes" (G1122, _grammateús'_) were experts in the Mosaic Law and traditional interpretations, while the "Pharisees" (G5330, _Pharisaîos'_) were a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. Jesus' immediate labeling of them as "hypocrites" (G5273, _hypokritḗs'_) sets the stage for the entire condemnation, asserting that their religious identity was a facade.
* **"for ye are like unto whited sepulchres,":** Jesus introduces the central metaphor. The conjunction "for" (G3754, _hóti'_) explains *why* they are hypocrites. They "are like" (G3945, _paromoiázō'_) "whited sepulchres" (G5028, _táphos'_ referring to a grave, and G2867, _koniáō'_ for whitewashed). This comparison immediately evokes the cultural practice of whitewashing tombs to make them appear clean and to mark them as ritually defiling.
* **"which indeed appear beautiful outward,":** This clause elaborates on the external aspect of the metaphor. The tombs, once whitewashed, "appear" (G5316, _phaínō'_) "beautiful" (G5611, _hōraîos'_) "outward" (G1855, _éxōthen'_). This directly corresponds to the Pharisees' public image: they were respected, appeared devout, and meticulously observed religious rituals, giving an impression of righteousness and piety to onlookers. The word "indeed" (G3303, _mén'_) emphasizes this outward reality.
* **"but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.":** This is the devastating contrast and the core of Jesus' indictment. The conjunction "but" (G1161, _dé'_) introduces the stark opposition. "Within" (G2081, _ésōthen'_) the sepulchre, it is "full" (G1073, _gémō'_) of "dead men's bones" (G3498, _nekrós'_ for dead, and G3747, _ostéon'_ for bones) and "of all" (G3956, _pâs'_) "uncleanness" (G167, _akatharsía'_). This reveals the inner reality of the scribes and Pharisees: despite their outward show, their hearts were spiritually dead, defiled by sin, and filled with moral corruption, making them sources of spiritual impurity rather than purity.

#### 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.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart")
* [Psalm 51:6](/psalm/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Parts")
* [Luke 11:39-40](/luke/11-39-40 "Luke 11:39-40 - Woe to the Pharisees for Cleansing the Outside")

### 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
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing outward appearance over inner purity?**
* **What "dead men's bones" or "uncleanness" might be hidden beneath the surface of my own spiritual life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more authentic faith that is genuinely focused on God's approval rather than human praise?**
* **What steps can I take to ensure my private spiritual life aligns with my public profession of faith?**

### 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](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Jesus' Teaching on True Righteousness").

### 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](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles")). He did not merely appear righteous; He *was* righteous, without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Was Tempted But Without Sin")). 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](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life")). 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](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). 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](/luke/11-39-41 "Luke 11:39-41 - Cleanse the Inside")).

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

Acts 23:3

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?

Luke 11:44

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over [them] are not aware [of them].

Isaiah 58:1

¶ Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.

Isaiah 58:2

Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.

Numbers 19:16

And whosoever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.