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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Φαρισαῖοι,
Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαῖοι,
Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
5 of 21
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
ὑποκριταί,
hypocrites
G5273
ὑποκριταί,
hypocrites
Strong's:
G5273
Word #:
6 of 21
an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
ὅτι
! for
G3754
ὅτι
! for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
9 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
which
G3588
οἱ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
περιπατοῦντες
that walk
G4043
περιπατοῦντες
that walk
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
18 of 21
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
ἐπάνω
over
G1883
ἐπάνω
over
Strong's:
G1883
Word #:
19 of 21
up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)
Cross References
Acts 23:3Then 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?Psalms 5:9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
Historical Context
Numbers 19:16 declared anyone touching a grave unclean for seven days. Annual tomb-whitewashing (mentioned in Matthew 23:27) made graves visible to prevent accidental defilement. Jesus's metaphor of 'unmarked graves' suggests the Pharisees were even more dangerous than obvious corruption—hidden death masquerading as life.
Questions for Reflection
- What hidden sins or hypocrisies might you be harboring that could spiritually 'defile' those who trust your example?
- How does this passage challenge the danger of religious leadership divorced from genuine godliness?
- In what ways might respectable external religion mask internal corruption that harms others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not (ὅτι ἐστὲ ὡς τὰ μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα)—the third woe uses cemetery imagery. Mnēmeia (graves, tombs) that are adēla (unmarked, hidden) were problematic because stepping on them caused ritual defilement (Numbers 19:16). Jews whitewashed tombs annually before Passover to mark them visibly. And the men that walk over them are not aware of them—the Pharisees' hidden corruption defiles those who trust their teaching.
This devastating metaphor reverses their self-image: they considered themselves sources of purity, but were actually contagious corruption. Their religious authority defiled followers rather than sanctifying them. Jesus warns that false teachers are dangerous precisely because their corruption is hidden—they appear righteous while spreading spiritual death.