The metaphor of "whited sepulchres" is a vivid biblical image used to describe the hypocrisy and deceitfulness of the wicked, particularly those who maintain an outward appearance of righteousness while harboring corruption and sin within. This imagery is most prominently found in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ uses it to rebuke the religious leaders of His time.

Biblical Reference

The primary reference to "whited sepulchres" is found in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus addresses the scribes and Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law and outward displays of piety. In Matthew 23:27-28 , Jesus declares:

"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."

Cultural and Historical Context

In the Jewish culture of the time, tombs were often whitewashed to make them easily visible and to prevent accidental contact, which would render a person ceremonially unclean according to the Mosaic Law (Numbers 19:16). The whitewashing made the tombs appear clean and pure, yet inside they contained decay and death. This practice serves as a powerful backdrop for Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees' hypocrisy.

Theological Implications

The comparison to "whited sepulchres" underscores the importance of inner purity and sincerity in the Christian faith. It highlights the danger of focusing solely on external religious observance while neglecting the transformation of the heart. This metaphor serves as a warning against the sin of hypocrisy, which is characterized by a discrepancy between one's public persona and private reality.

The Pharisees, in their zeal for the law, had become more concerned with appearances and the letter of the law than with its spirit. Jesus' rebuke calls for a return to genuine righteousness that flows from a heart aligned with God's will. The imagery of "whited sepulchres" thus serves as a call to self-examination and repentance, urging believers to seek authenticity in their walk with God.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the metaphor of "whited sepulchres" remains a relevant caution against the temptation to prioritize outward religious rituals over a sincere relationship with God. It challenges Christians to examine their own lives for areas where they may be projecting an image of holiness while neglecting the inner work of the Holy Spirit.

This biblical imagery encourages a faith that is not merely performative but is deeply rooted in love, humility, and obedience to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder that true righteousness is not about external appearances but about a heart transformed by the grace of God.Matthew 23:27
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you are like to white washed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... Lord, and with what have ye compared Him [3944 ... only in outward form did those wicked
men dissemble ... clothing, and appearing like unto whited sepulchres; but they ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

The Pharisee and the Tax-Gatherer.
... Jesus compared them to whited sepulchres, and said they ... and Levites a tenth part
of all I possess." But the Publican, who knew that he was wicked, and felt ...
/.../mother stories from the new testament/the pharisee and the tax-gatherer.htm

Sanctification
... It is growing; it is compared to seed which grows ... 3:3. These are lamps without oil;
whited sepulchres, like the ... ark; for though God suffer the wicked to live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 sanctification.htm

Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men
... of their most admired characters, and compared the men ... for wisdom and sanctity, to
whited sepulchres, warning the ... powers of darkness and from wicked men, when ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xvii messiah despised and.htm

False Profession.
... how oft is the candle of the wicked put out by ... departeth not from iniquity, to whom
may he be compared? ... does he call them but hypocrites, whited walls, painted ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

Psalm LXXXVIII.
... in the Gospel, "Ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed ... Why then do the
wicked rage against Me, unless ... ver.14), which may be compared with another ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxviii.htm

A Description of Heart-Purity
... They were whited over, not white. ... (iii) The Spirit is compared to water. ... 5 Take
heed of familiar converse and intercourse with the wicked. ...
/.../16 a description of heart-purity.htm

Thoughts Upon Our Call and Election.
... of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from ... yet notwithstanding; if they be compared
with .the ... as our Saviour compares to whited Sepulchres, which outwardly ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon our call and.htm

Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
... his friend Zophar, speaking of the wicked, says, "His ... show,"vanity and vexation of
spirit,"whited sepulchres, fair to ... what a wreck is man, compared to what ...
/.../chapter xix tit 2 6 thoughts.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... Woe unto the wicked; it shall be ill ... the older religion, the special characteristic"
compared with the ... whited sepulchres full of dead men's bones, children of ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

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