King James Version

What Does Luke 11:44 Mean?

Luke 11:44 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them ... — study this verse from Luke chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 11:44 · KJV


Context

42

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

43

Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

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.

45

Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.

46

And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What hidden sins or hypocrisies might you be harboring that could spiritually 'defile' those who trust your example?
  2. How does this passage challenge the danger of religious leadership divorced from genuine godliness?
  3. In what ways might respectable external religion mask internal corruption that harms others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οὐαὶ1 of 21

Woe

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν2 of 21

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

γραμματεῖς3 of 21

scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ4 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Φαρισαῖοι,5 of 21

Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

ὑποκριταί,6 of 21

hypocrites

G5273

an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"

ὅτι7 of 21

! for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐστὲ8 of 21

ye are

G2075

ye are

ὡς9 of 21

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

οἱ10 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μνημεῖα11 of 21

graves

G3419

a remembrance, i.e., cenotaph (place of interment)

οἱ12 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄδηλα13 of 21

appear not

G82

hidden, figuratively, indistinct

καὶ14 of 21

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ15 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἄνθρωποι16 of 21

the men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

οἱ17 of 21

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

περιπατοῦντες18 of 21

that walk

G4043

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)

ἐπάνω19 of 21

over

G1883

up above, i.e., over or on (of place, amount, rank, etc.)

οὐκ20 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οἴδασιν21 of 21

aware

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 11:44 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 11:44 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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