Matthew 23:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Christ once more admonishes the scribes and Pharisees for their empty pride, referring to them as tombs that are whitewashed, and consistently labeling them as hypocrites, for this hypocrisy is the root of all their wickedness and ultimately leads to their downfall. He not only identifies them as painted sepulchers but also declares them to be filled with impurity and pretense. Through these statements, He reveals the underlying reason for their unbelief: they are consumed by hypocrisy and sin. Moreover, the prophets persistently denounce them for their greed and for failing to judge their leaders with righteousness. Throughout Scripture, it is evident that sacrifices are often rejected, while mercy and truth are earnestly sought after.

This analogy carries a similar significance as what was mentioned earlier. The Pharisees strived to present themselves as honorable through their external behavior, resembling tombs that are painted and made to look appealing on the outside, yet within, they were filled with defilement and lifeless, decaying deeds.

In the grave resides the thoroughly wicked, lacking any basis for repentance from dead deeds, resembling a polished coffin that draws attention outwardly, yet harbors nothing but decayed bones and every kind of impurity within. Therefore, when such an individual speaks, it is not the word of God that issues from his mouth, but rather the grave that releases his voice (Psalm 5:10). Anyone who claims to believe in Christ but fails to demonstrate deeds that align with his faith, acts like someone who follows misleading teachings and misunderstands the purpose of Scripture, essentially fashioning a tomb of stone for himself.

Reflect, O monk, on my words; let us not merely display outward piety while indulging in luxury within our cells, lest we resemble “coffins that have been cooked,” which appear red on the outside but are “full of bones” within, along with “uncleanness.” For in every location, there is one God, to whom be glory forever and ever! Amen. Subdue the thoughts of pride before they bring you low. Dismiss the notion of arrogance before it brings you down. Defeat lust before it overwhelms you.

What He illustrated through the symbolism of the cup and dish, which appear clean on the outside yet are soiled within, is now represented by the imagery of tombs. Just as these tombs are whitewashed with lime on the exterior, embellished with marble and gold, and decorated with colors, they are nonetheless filled with the remains of the deceased on the inside.

Lime is the substance applied to coat and color surfaces. Lime serves the purpose of refreshing and beautifying walls.

The bodies of the righteous are rightly described as temples, for within them the soul reigns and exercises authority, akin to the Divine residing in a sanctuary. In truth, it is because God Himself inhabits the bodies of the righteous. Conversely, the bodies of the wicked are referred to as sepulchers, as the soul within these bodies is in a state of death; it is impossible to regard as alive that which does not bear any semblance of vitality or spiritual essence. The very essence of death resides in the bodies of the unrighteous. Just as a coffin may appear attractive on the exterior while remaining sealed, it becomes grotesque when opened. Similarly, those who feign goodness may seem commendable when unrecognized, but when their true nature is revealed, they become detestable.

Alas for you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders, you regard it as contaminating to come near the graves of the deceased; each year you cover them with whitewash, not out of a desire for beauty, but to designate their locations for those who might unknowingly touch them. Yet you fail to recognize that you are akin to these adorned and painted tombs, which seem attractive outwardly but are filled with dead bones and every kind of impurity within.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders, for your actions reveal the same care for your vessels as for your inner selves! You focus solely on the outward display of righteousness, neglecting the sanctification of your souls, which are stained by hypocrisy and wickedness. In this way, you are comparable to ornate tombs that are attractive from the outside, yet are filled with bones and every form of impurity from decayed remains. The Mosaic Law (Num. 19:16) regards a tomb, a corpse, or human bones as so defiled that even a single touch renders one unclean, making the analogy of the Pharisees with decorative graves particularly degrading for them.

"You are like whitewashed tombs." Although these burial places were annually coated with lime on the 15th of Adar, it was not merely for aesthetic purposes but to identify them for those passing by, so they would avoid contact, as touching a grave rendered one unclean according to the Law (Num. 19:16). Some chose to embellish these sepulchers with monuments, perhaps for beauty as well. While the exterior of these whitewashed tombs seemed attractive, their interiors were certainly filled with bones and impurity. In the same way, the Pharisees presented themselves as righteous outwardly, yet they were truly hypocritical and lawless within.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are akin to beautifully adorned sepulchers that, while appearing splendid on the outside, are filled within with decayed bones and all kinds of impurity. Likewise, you present yourselves as righteous, yet inside you are replete with hypocrisy and wickedness. According to Mosaic Law, contact with the bones of the dead or a grave rendered one unclean for seven days (Numbers 19:16). Consequently, the Jews, in their caution, chose to enhance the visibility of burial sites by annually whitening and painting the exteriors of the tombs in the month of Adar. The Lord’s admonition here carries a similar meaning to the previous teachings.