Matthew 23:28

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

The verse in question is found in Matthew 23:28 (KJV), which states:This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus delivers a series of rebukes and woes to the scribes and Pharisees, who were religious leaders in his time. In this particular verse, Jesus criticizes their external show of righteousness while pointing out their inner hypocrisy and sinfulness.

Here are some key points to consider while studying this verse:

Outward Appearance vs. Inner Condition:Jesus emphasizes the contrast between the external appearance and the internal condition of the scribes and Pharisees. On the outside, they appeared righteous and pious, performing religious acts and adhering to the Law of Moses meticulously. However, inwardly, they lacked sincerity, harbored hypocrisy, and were engaged in sinful practices. This highlights the importance of having genuine righteousness that permeates both the external and internal aspects of a person’s life.

Hypocrisy:Jesus identifies hypocrisy as a significant issue among the scribes and Pharisees. Hypocrisy refers to pretending to be something or someone that one is not. The religious leaders projected an image of righteousness and piety to gain honor and recognition from people, but their hearts were far from God. Jesus condemns this hypocrisy and calls for authenticity and integrity in one’s faith.

Iniquity:In addition to hypocrisy, Jesus accuses the scribes and Pharisees of being full of iniquity or lawlessness. While they were meticulous in adhering to certain aspects of the Law, they neglected the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their focus on outward rituals and legalistic practices obscured their understanding of God’s heart and the core principles of the Law.