Who were the Pharisees — In Biblical Context
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group known for strict observance of the Law and oral traditions, frequently criticized by Jesus for hypocrisy and legalism.
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group known for strict observance of the Law and oral traditions, frequently criticized by Jesus for hypocrisy and legalism.
"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." — Matthew 23:27 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Pharisees were one of the major Jewish sects during the Second Temple period. They believed in the resurrection, angels, and the authority of both written and oral Torah. While many were sincere in their devotion, Jesus frequently confronted their tendency to elevate human traditions above God's commands and to practice religion for outward appearance rather than inner transformation. Notable Pharisees in the New Testament include Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night, and Paul (Saul of Tarsus), who was a Pharisee before his conversion. Jesus' harshest criticisms in Matthew 23 were directed at Pharisaic hypocrisy.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 23:27, sits inside Matthew 23. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee."
"There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night."
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