Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 23:27. It's a really powerful and somewhat shocking image that points to a serious problem with these people. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that these individuals are not being treated well, and they’re actually quite dirty on the inside. It’s comparing them to a “white sepulcher” – think of a burial shroud. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 23:27” : This is the verse itself – it’s a specific passage in the Gospel of Matthew. “Woe unto you…” : This isn’t a comforting blessing; it's a warning. It means "It's going to be bad for you." “…scribes and Pharisees…” : These are two groups of Jewish leaders – scribes (copyists) and Pharisees (religious scholars). They were very influential in the early Christian community. “hypocrites!” : This is a crucial word. "Hypocrisy" means pretending to be something you’re not, or acting in a way that doesn't align with your true beliefs. “for ye are like whited sepulchres…” : This is the shocking part. A “sepulcher” is a burial shroud – it’s designed to appear beautiful and presentable, but inside it's full of decaying bones – dead men. Putting it all together: The verse paints a picture of these people as being: Hidden from God: They are trying to make a good impression on others by appearing holy, but their true nature is corrupted. Unclean and Unworthy: They are filled with sin and moral decay – they’re not genuine or sincere. Like a burial shroud: This image emphasizes that they are presented in a way that's superficial and ultimately empty of true meaning. They appear attractive on the surface, but underneath there’s a deep problem. The Message: Jesus is essentially saying that these people have been tricked into believing they are righteous – that they’re trying to impress others with their piety, when in reality they're living a life of hypocrisy and impurity. It's a condemnation of their behavior and a call for repentance. In essence, the verse warns against outward appearances and emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and inner transformation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this imagery might be used in modern contexts (like social media or relationships)?