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Matthew 23

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

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.

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

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,

And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.

Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!

Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

What does Matthew 23:28 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 23:28 is a verse that occurs during a powerful and intense speech by Jesus directed at the Pharisees and scribes. In this speech, Jesus is denouncing these religious leaders for their hypocrisy.

The verse carries both a literal and symbolic meaning.

Literally, Jesus accuses the Pharisees of presenting themselves as righteous on the outside, but inwardly being full of sin and deceit.

Symbolically, this verse speaks to the general human condition of hypocrisy, where individuals may present one image to the world but harbor different motives and behaviors in private.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees were influential leaders in Jewish society. They were responsible for interpreting the Mosaic Law and acting as a bridge between the common people and the religious practices of the day.

Historically, these groups were criticized for their strict adherence to the letter of the law while seemingly neglecting the spirit of the law, which included justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

This historical backdrop is crucial to understanding the force behind Jesus' words, as He condemned their outward show of piety that masked internal moral failings.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse touches upon the concept of sin, internal transformation, and integrity.

It contrasts the outward righteousness that one might display with the internal moral and ethical condition of an individual's heart.

The Pharisees, who were obsessed with maintaining purity through external rituals, are used here as an example of how not to lead a life pleasing to God, who ultimately judges the heart.

Different denominations have interpreted this verse as a call for sincere religiosity, emphasizing inward conversion rather than mere external compliance to religious norms.

Practical Applications

Practically, Matthew 23:28 urges believers to introspect and to focus on inner transformation rather than merely observing religious rituals for outward appearance.

It serves as a reminder to practice what one preaches and to live authentically, aligning one's inner beliefs and values with outward actions.

The verse warns against the dangers of self-deception and encourages a life of integrity and transparency within personal, professional, and spiritual realms.

Cross-References

Matthew 23:25-27: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Luke 16:15: And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.
1 Samuel 16:7: But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
James 1:26: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the term "hypocrisy" (ὑπόκρισις, hupokrisis) carries the connotation of acting or play-acting, akin to a stage actor.

The term "iniquity" (ἀνομία, anomia) is used to denote lawlessness or the condition of being without the law.

It suggests a deliberate disregard for God's law. The contrast between the outward appearance (righteous unto men) and the inward state (full of hypocrisy and iniquity) is stark and emphasizes the depth of their deception.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Hypocrisy is a widely condemned trait in many ancient texts and religions.

In ancient Greek plays, actors wore masks to portray different characters, and this practice is often used as a metaphor for hypocrisy in various cultural and religious contexts.

In Buddhism, there is a concept called "Sila" which emphasizes ethical conduct and sincerity, while in Islam, the concept of "Nifaq" is quite similar to the Christian concept of hypocrisy.

Hinduism's Bhagavad Gita speaks to acting in accordance with Dharma, or righteousness, not just in appearance but in truth.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the study of morality and ethical behavior crosses into the realm of psychology and neuroscience.

Research into cognitive dissonance, for instance, explores the discomfort that stems from holding conflicting beliefs and behaviors, which could be linked to the hypocrisy addressed in the verse.

Additionally, the developing field of neuroethics examines the brain mechanisms underlying moral reasoning and social behavior that could provide insight into why people might act differently than they feel or believe inwardly.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varied opinions on this verse.

Some emphasize the social justice implications, critiquing those who oppress others while adopting a façade of righteousness. Others delve more deeply into personal spirituality, encouraging a heart transformation that aligns with outward deeds.

Commentators like Matthew Henry have pointed out that this behavior of the Pharisees is a great sin and an abominable thing in the eyes of God.

Most agree that Jesus' words in Matthew 23:28 serve as a timeless reminder of the importance of authenticity in religious practice and moral living.

Matthew 23

Matthew 23

What does Matthew 23:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 23:28 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?