King James Version
Matthew 23:29 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres ...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,”
Matthew 23:29 · KJV
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.
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“Pharisees”
G5330a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
“hypocrites”
G5273an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e., (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite"
“of the prophets”
G4396a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“garnish”
G2885to put in proper order, i.e., decorate (literally or figuratively); specially, to snuff (a wick)
“of the righteous”
G1342equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)
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.
Matthew 23:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Matthew 23:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge