Bible Strands
Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees during His final public discourse in Jerusalem. He speaks this declaration immediately after pronouncing a woe over them as whitewashed tombs.
The words — ἔξωθεν (exōthen) translates to "outside" and φαίνεσθε (phainesthe) translates to "you appear." The text states they present an outward appearance of righteousness while concealing inner hypocrisy and wickedness.
The thread — This tension between visible piety and hidden reality appears in Luke 16:15, which contrasts human justification with divine knowledge of the heart. It also echoes Matthew 23:5, where religious acts are performed specifically to be seen by others.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to verify that their internal character matches their external religious performance. It demands accountability to God rather than approval from human observers.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Cross-references
- Luke 16:15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
- Psalms 51:6 Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
- Matthew 23:5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
- 1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.”
- Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
- Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.
- Mark 7:21 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
- Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?