Matthew 23:28
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
φαίνεσθε
appear
G5316
φαίνεσθε
appear
Strong's:
G5316
Word #:
6 of 16
to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δίκαιοι
righteous
G1342
δίκαιοι
righteous
Strong's:
G1342
Word #:
9 of 16
equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
ἔσωθεν
within
G2081
ἔσωθεν
within
Strong's:
G2081
Word #:
10 of 16
from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)
ὑποκρίσεως
of hypocrisy
G5272
ὑποκρίσεως
of hypocrisy
Strong's:
G5272
Word #:
14 of 16
acting under a feigned part, i.e., (figuratively) deceit ("hypocrisy")
Cross References
Luke 16:15And 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.Psalms 51:6Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.Matthew 23:5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,1 Samuel 16:7But 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.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism highly valued public reputation for righteousness. Pharisees gained social prestige, political influence, and religious authority through perceived piety. They occupied chief seats in synagogues (23:6), received reverential titles (23:7-10), and controlled Temple operations. But Jesus exposes their public righteousness as performance—they played the role of righteous men while their hearts remained unregenerate, filled with pride, greed, and cruelty.
Questions for Reflection
- What aspects of your Christian life are performed for human approval rather than authentic heart devotion to God?
- How does Jesus's equation of hypocrisy with lawlessness challenge the idea that external religious conformity equals righteousness?
- In what ways might your concern for appearing righteous actually reveal the absence of true righteousness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Outwardly appear righteous unto men (ἔξωθεν μὲν φαίνεσθε δικαίοις τοῖς ἀνθρώποις)—phainesthē means "to appear" or "seem," implying the appearance doesn't match reality. Dikaiois (righteous) would normally be praiseworthy, but here it's mere façade. The Pharisees cultivated reputation for righteousness through conspicuous piety—long prayers (23:14), elaborate phylacteries (23:5), prominent almsgiving (Matthew 6:2).
Within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity (ἔσωθεν γέμετε ὑποκρίσεως καὶ ἀνομίας)—gemete means "filled, packed full." Hypokrisis originally meant "play-acting"—performing a role rather than being authentic. Anomias (lawlessness) is shocking: those zealous for law-keeping were actually law-breakers at heart level. Romans 2:17-29 echoes this—external Judaism without circumcised heart is lawlessness.