King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:25 Mean?

Matthew 23:25 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 23:25 · KJV


Context

23

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. anise: Gr. dill

24

Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

25

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.

26

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this text reveal about human nature and God's grace?
  2. How can you apply this teaching to current struggles or questions?
  3. What changes in thinking or behavior does this passage require?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Οὐαὶ1 of 22

Woe

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν2 of 22

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

γραμματεῖς3 of 22

scribes

G1122

a professional writer

καὶ4 of 22

and

G2532

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

Φαρισαῖοι5 of 22

Pharisees

G5330

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

ὑποκριταί6 of 22

hypocrites

G5273

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

ὅτι7 of 22

! for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καθαρίζετε8 of 22

ye make clean

G2511

to cleanse (literally or figuratively)

τὸ9 of 22
G3588

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

ἔξωθεν10 of 22

the outside

G1855

external(-ly)

τοῦ11 of 22
G3588

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

ποτηρίου12 of 22

of the cup

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

καὶ13 of 22

and

G2532

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

τῆς14 of 22
G3588

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

παροψίδος15 of 22

of the platter

G3953

a side-dish (the receptacle)

ἔσωθεν16 of 22

within

G2081

from inside; also used as equivalent to g2080 (inside)

δὲ17 of 22

but

G1161

but, and, etc

γέμουσιν18 of 22

they are full

G1073

to swell out, i.e., be full

ἐξ19 of 22

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἁρπαγῆς20 of 22

extortion

G724

pillage (properly abstract)

καὶ21 of 22

and

G2532

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

ἀκρασίας22 of 22

excess

G192

want of self-restraint


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:25 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 Matthew 23:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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