Luke 11:44 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them don’t know it.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 11:44" mean?
This verse, found in Luke 11:44 (and also in Matthew 23:27), is a harsh condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. Let's break down its meaning:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" This is a strong expression of sorrow and judgment. "Woe" signifies a terrible fate awaiting them. The scribes and Pharisees were religious leaders known for their meticulous knowledge of the law. However, Jesus accuses them of being "hypocrites," meaning they pretended to be righteous and devout but were inwardly corrupt and deceptive.
"For you are like hidden graves..." This is the core of the analogy. In Jewish law, contact with a dead body made a person ritually unclean. Graves were often whitewashed to make them visible and prevent accidental contact.
"...and the men who walk over them don’t know it.” The problem is that these graves are hidden. People unknowingly come into contact with them and become ritually defiled without realizing it.
Meaning:
The verse is not about literal graves, but a metaphorical comparison. Jesus is saying that the scribes and Pharisees are like hidden graves because:
Inward Corruption: They appear outwardly righteous (like whitewashed tombs) but are inwardly spiritually dead and corrupt, filled with pride, greed, and hypocrisy.
Unwitting Defilement: They are spiritually dangerous. Their teachings and actions, while seeming pious, are actually harmful and lead people astray. Those who follow them or are influenced by them become spiritually defiled without even realizing it.
Deception: They conceal their true nature and motives, making it difficult for people to discern their true character. Their outward appearance of piety masks their inner wickedness.
In essence, Jesus is accusing the scribes and Pharisees of being spiritually poisonous. They are a danger to others because they pollute the spiritual environment around them, leading people into error and away from true faith, all while appearing to be righteous and holy.
Luke 11:44 - Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the men who walk over them don’t know it.”
What does "Luke 11:44" mean?
This verse, found in Luke 11:44 (and also in Matthew 23:27), is a harsh condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees. Let's break down its meaning:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" This is a strong expression of sorrow and judgment. "Woe" signifies a terrible fate awaiting them. The scribes and Pharisees were religious leaders known for their meticulous knowledge of the law. However, Jesus accuses them of being "hypocrites," meaning they pretended to be righteous and devout but were inwardly corrupt and deceptive.
"For you are like hidden graves..." This is the core of the analogy. In Jewish law, contact with a dead body made a person ritually unclean. Graves were often whitewashed to make them visible and prevent accidental contact.
"...and the men who walk over them don’t know it.” The problem is that these graves are hidden. People unknowingly come into contact with them and become ritually defiled without realizing it.
Meaning:
The verse is not about literal graves, but a metaphorical comparison. Jesus is saying that the scribes and Pharisees are like hidden graves because:
Inward Corruption: They appear outwardly righteous (like whitewashed tombs) but are inwardly spiritually dead and corrupt, filled with pride, greed, and hypocrisy.
Unwitting Defilement: They are spiritually dangerous. Their teachings and actions, while seeming pious, are actually harmful and lead people astray. Those who follow them or are influenced by them become spiritually defiled without even realizing it.
Deception: They conceal their true nature and motives, making it difficult for people to discern their true character. Their outward appearance of piety masks their inner wickedness.
In essence, Jesus is accusing the scribes and Pharisees of being spiritually poisonous. They are a danger to others because they pollute the spiritual environment around them, leading people into error and away from true faith, all while appearing to be righteous and holy.