Matthew 23:28
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 23:28
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Chapter Context
Matthew 23 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, worship, salvation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-39: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 23:28
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: ἀνομία (Anomia) G458 - Lawlessness, iniquity
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Luke 16:15
- Parallel theme: Matthew 23:5, 1 Samuel 16:7, Psalms 51:6