Contradictions and Paradoxes in Matthew 23:27

Check out Contradictions Catalog of Matthew 23:27 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts Matthew 23:27. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Matthew, this verse means that some people pretend to be good on the outside, like a beautiful painted tomb, but inside they are not good at all, like a tomb full of bones. It's a warning that God wants us to be good inside our hearts, not just look nice on the outside.

Matthew 23:27: 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.

Contradiction with 1 Samuel 16:7

This verse points out that the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance, contrasting with the focus on hypocrisy about outward appearance in Matthew 23:27.

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes]

Contradiction with Matthew 5:48

This verse calls for perfection like the Father in heaven, showing a contradiction with the hypocritical nature mentioned in Matthew 23:27.

Matthew 5:48: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Contradiction with 1 John 1:8

Admits to sinfulness, contrasting with the false purity of hypocrites described in Matthew 23:27.

1 John 1:8: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Contradiction with James 1:22

Encourages being doers of the word, which opposes the superficial display critiqued in Matthew 23:27.

James 1:22: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Contradiction with Proverbs 31:30

Highlights the value of inner godliness over charm or physical appearance, differing from the emphasis on exterior mentioned in Matthew 23:27.

Proverbs 31:30: Favour [is] deceitful, and beauty [is] vain: [but] a woman [that] feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Contradiction with 1 Peter 3:3-4

Advises on inner beauty, contrasting with the focus on outward appearance in Matthew 23:27.

1 Peter 3:3-4: Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

Contradiction with Matthew 5:20

Sets a higher standard of righteousness than that of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees criticized in Matthew 23:27.

Matthew 5:20: For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Paradox #1

Some people might see a contradiction in the message of Matthew 23:27 because it criticizes outward appearances that hide true intentions, yet religious practices often involve rituals and symbols that focus on the external. This can seem inconsistent if the emphasis on appearance is seen as important in other religious contexts.

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