Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "hypocrite" is often used to describe individuals who outwardly display righteousness but are inwardly corrupt or insincere. The self-righteous hypocrite is a recurring theme in Scripture, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who frequently admonished those who practiced religious piety for the sake of appearance rather than genuine faith and obedience to God.Old Testament Context The concept of hypocrisy is not absent from the Old Testament. The prophets often rebuked the Israelites for their insincere worship and failure to uphold the covenant with God. Isaiah 29:13 states, "Therefore the Lord said: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.'" This passage highlights the disconnect between outward religious observance and true devotion to God. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses the issue of hypocrisy with particular emphasis. The Pharisees and scribes are frequently depicted as epitomes of self-righteousness. In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a series of "woes" to the Pharisees, condemning their behavior. Matthew 23:27-28 states, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." Jesus' critique of the Pharisees underscores the danger of self-righteousness, where individuals prioritize external adherence to the law while neglecting the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Parables and Teachings The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 further illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine humility before God. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, prays with pride, while the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, seeks God's mercy. Jesus concludes, "I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted" (Luke 18:14). Apostolic Writings The apostolic writings continue to warn against hypocrisy and self-righteousness. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 2:1-3 , admonishes those who judge others while committing the same sins: "You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." Practical Implications The biblical portrayal of hypocrites as self-righteous serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It calls for introspection and a sincere commitment to living out one's faith authentically. The Scriptures encourage believers to seek a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, characterized by humility, repentance, and a genuine love for God and neighbor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 65:5Which say, Stand by yourself, come not near to me; for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 18:11 Library The Two Sons. The Third Part of the Articles. The Uses of the Law Satan's Banquet The Friend of Men 223 in Nothing Does the Contrast Between Jesus ... An Appeal to Sinners The Final Unmasking. The Last Words in the Temple. The Wise and Foolish virgins A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber Resources Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about hypocrisy? | GotQuestions.org Growth in Life ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hypocrites in Power, are a Snare Hypocrites: Apparently Zealous in the Things of God Hypocrites: Beware the Principles of Hypocrites: Christ Knew and Detected Hypocrites: Destroy Others by Slander Hypocrites: Devouring Widows' Houses Hypocrites: Exact in Minor, But Neglecting Important Duties Hypocrites: Fearfulness Shall Surprise Hypocrites: Glorying in Appearance Only Hypocrites: God Has No Pleasure In Hypocrites: God Knows and Detects Hypocrites: Having But a Form of Godliness Hypocrites: Joy of, But for a Moment Hypocrites: Loving Pre-Eminence Hypocrites: Professing But not Practising Hypocrites: Regarding Tradition More than the Word of God Hypocrites: Seeking Only Outward Purity Hypocrites: Shall not Come Before God Hypocrites: Spirit of, Hinders Growth in Grace Hypocrites: The Apostasy to Abound With Hypocrites: Trusting in Privileges Hypocrites: Using But Lip-Worship Hypocrites: Worship of, not Acceptable to God Hypocrites: Zealous in Making Proselytes Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites Related Terms |