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.

MATTHEW 23:25KJV
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Matthew 23:25 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:25 mean?

Matthew 23:25 warns religious leaders who focus on outward appearances of purity while ignoring inner corruption. Jesus criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for making sure their actions look clean to others, but inside, their hearts are full of greed and self-indulgence.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking directly to the scribes and Pharisees, respected religious figures in his time. He uses the image of cleaning the outside of a cup and dish while leaving the inside dirty to show how these leaders care more about looking righteous than actually being good. This is part of a series of strong warnings Jesus gives in Matthew 23, calling out hypocrisy among those who should be spiritual examples.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:25

  • ὑποκριταί (hypokritai, "hypocrites"): This word refers to someone who acts or pretends, like an actor on stage. Jesus uses it to highlight the gap between the leaders' public image and their true character.
  • ἁρπαγῆς (harpagēs, "extortion"): This word carries the idea of taking by force or greed. Jesus points out that, despite their clean appearance, the leaders are guilty of taking advantage of others.
  • ἀκρασίας (akrasias, "excess"): This word means lack of self-control or self-indulgence. It shows that their problem is not just greed, but also giving in to selfish desires.

Why Matthew 23:25 matters

  • Matthew 23:25 clears up the common misunderstanding that outward religious actions are enough; Jesus insists that inner character matters more.
  • This verse highlights the theme of hypocrisy, which is a central concern in Jesus’ teachings throughout Matthew 23.
  • The verse connects to the larger passage where Jesus repeatedly warns against focusing on appearances instead of genuine goodness, helping readers see the importance of integrity.

Where else these words appear

“platter” Greek G3953 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

“excess” Greek G192 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

“extortion” Greek G724 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 11:39 And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.
  • Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

“outside” Greek G1855 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 23:27 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.
  • Mark 7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
  • 2 Corinthians 7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.