Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible




wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty


and this I say, not to commend myself again unto you, but to give you an occasion of glorying on my account, that you may confront those who make a false show of glorying. Verse ConceptsCommendationOutward AppearanceHypocrites, Description OfAppearancesCommending OneselfOther References To The HeartAppearances of

Do ye judge of things by the outward appearance? if any man is confident in himself, that he is Christ's, let him from himself conclude too, that as he is Christ's, even so are we. Verse ConceptsOutward AppearanceThoughtAppearances ofperfectionism

when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited: if you should respectfully say to the suit of fine cloths, sit you there, that's for quality; and to the poor man, stand thou there, or place your self at my feet: have not you made an arbitrary distinction, don't your judgments flow from a vicious principle?


wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty


and this I say, not to commend myself again unto you, but to give you an occasion of glorying on my account, that you may confront those who make a false show of glorying. Verse ConceptsCommendationOutward AppearanceHypocrites, Description OfAppearancesCommending OneselfOther References To The HeartAppearances of

Do ye judge of things by the outward appearance? if any man is confident in himself, that he is Christ's, let him from himself conclude too, that as he is Christ's, even so are we. Verse ConceptsOutward AppearanceThoughtAppearances ofperfectionism

when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited: if you should respectfully say to the suit of fine cloths, sit you there, that's for quality; and to the poor man, stand thou there, or place your self at my feet: have not you made an arbitrary distinction, don't your judgments flow from a vicious principle?

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just,

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, Verse ConceptsProphets KilledHypocrisy

Then one of the twelve, Judas Iscariot by name, went to the chief priests, and said, what will ye give me, and I will deliver him to you? and they promised him thirty pieces of silver. from which time he watched a favourable opportunity to deliver him.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, in order to betray him to them. they were glad to hear him, and promis'd to give him money. upon which he contriv'd the most favourable occasion to betray him.

now satan had inspired Judas surnam'd Iscariot, one of the twelve, what to do. accordingly he went and conferr'd with the chief priests and officers of the temple, about the method of seizing him. they were pleas'd with his proposal, and agreed to give him a certain sum. read more.
Judas accepted the bargain, and sought an opportunity to secure him, without alarming the people.





Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. read more.
then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him. when the master therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? they answered, he will give those wretches no quarter, and will let out his vineyard to such as shall duly account for the profits thereof.

When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. Verse ConceptsJesus Using ParablesUnderstanding God's Wordpharisees

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, read more.
their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor.

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Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. read more.
wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." read more.
and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?

Then Jesus address'd himself to them in this parabolical manner. a certain person planted a vineyard, made a fence about it, clear'd the way for a wine-press, built a tower, and committed it to the care of vine-dressers, while he was travelling abroad. at the time of vintage he sent his servant to the vine-dressers to receive the profits of his vineyard. but they seized on him, and beat him, and sent him home empty. read more.
after this he sent another servant to them, him they assaulted with stones and cudgels, and sent him back with contempt. then he sent another, whom they killed: and of several more, some they beat, some they killed. at last, having one only son, whom he loved, he sent him to them; surely, said he, they will reverence my son. but these husbandmen said to one another, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be our own. so they seized upon him, and dragg'd him out of the vineyard, and killed him. now what will the master of the vineyard do? on his return, said they, he will destroy those vine-dressers, and give his vineyard to others. have you not read, said he, this passage of scripture, "the stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle. it is the Lord, that has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes." then they contriv'd how they might seize him, for they perceived, that he applied the parable to them; but for fear of the people they left him, and went away.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. read more.
just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

for the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, in pursuance of their antient traditions, never eat till they have wash'd their hands up to their elbows. nay, when they have been at any publick place, they never eat till they have washed. they observe besides several traditions, such as the washing of cups, pots, brass vessels, and beds.

upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. read more.
but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other.

But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias.

and while Jesus was at table in Matthew's house, several publicans and loose people happen'd to come in, who sat down with him and his disciples. which the Pharisees observing, why, said they to his disciples, is your master so familiar with publicans and such loose people? Jesus hearing that, said to them, they that are in health don't want a physician, but they that are sick. read more.
go then and learn the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call saints, but sinners.

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation,

Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. read more.
wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna? wherefore I shall send you prophets, and wise men, and Scribes; you will kill some, and crucify others, many will ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city. so that you maybe charg'd with all the innocent blood shed upon earth, from the blood of Abel the just, unto the blood of Zacharias, the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

such a one shall be consumed by fire, but the offering that is salted shall be preserv'd from corruption. salt is good, but if the salt become insipid, how shall it recover its savour? don't lose your seasoning, nor your peaceable behaviour to one another.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty


wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty


and this I say, not to commend myself again unto you, but to give you an occasion of glorying on my account, that you may confront those who make a false show of glorying. Verse ConceptsCommendationOutward AppearanceHypocrites, Description OfAppearancesCommending OneselfOther References To The HeartAppearances of

Do ye judge of things by the outward appearance? if any man is confident in himself, that he is Christ's, let him from himself conclude too, that as he is Christ's, even so are we. Verse ConceptsOutward AppearanceThoughtAppearances ofperfectionism

when any one, adorn'd with a gold ring, and a splendid dress, enters into your assembly; and a poor man comes in meanly habited: if you should respectfully say to the suit of fine cloths, sit you there, that's for quality; and to the poor man, stand thou there, or place your self at my feet: have not you made an arbitrary distinction, don't your judgments flow from a vicious principle?

In the mean time thousands of people being gather'd about him, so as to trample upon one another, he first address'd himself thus to his disciples, beware of the corrupt doctrine of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Verse ConceptsCrowdsAn Innumerable Numberevil, warnings againstPharisees, Attitudes To Jesus ChristPopularityPretenceWarningPopularity Of ChristDealing With Many PeopleTrampling PeopleLeavenedBeginning To TeachDisadvantages Of CrowdsCharacteristics Of PhariseesChrist Speaking To DisciplesShowing HypocrisyHypocrisy

When ye fast, don't put on a dismal air, as the hypocrites do, who look dejected, that men may take notice of their fasting: I assure you, they have their reward. but whenever you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face: that your fasting may not be observed by men, but by your father, who is with you in your retirement, and your father who observes what you do in private, shall give you a reward.

Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another. read more.
then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him. when the master therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? they answered, he will give those wretches no quarter, and will let out his vineyard to such as shall duly account for the profits thereof. Jesus reply'd, did ye never read in the scriptures, " that very stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle, this the Lord effected, and it is marvellous in our eyes." wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof. and whosoever shall stumble at this stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, he shall be entirely crush'd. When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. and they endeavoured to seize him, but were afraid of the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

therefore, when you give alms, do not make a proclamation of it as the hypocrites do, in their publick assemblies by sound of trumpet, that they may have the applause of men. for I assure you, they have their reward. but when you give alms, "let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth:" that your alms may be secret: and your father who sees your secret actions, shall reward you. read more.
And when you pray, be not as the hypocrites are: for they chuse to stand praying in publick places, and at the corners of the streets, to be observ'd by men. I assure you, they have their reward. but you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut the door, pray to your father who is with you in your retirement, and your father who observeth the actions of your retirement shall reward you. When you pray, be not verbose, as the heathen are: for they think they shall be heard for their loquaciousness. don't therefore imitate them: for your father knows what you want, before you ask him.

Then the Scribes and Pharisees, who were of Jerusalem, came to him and said, why do your disciples violate the tradition of our ancestors, in not washing their hands when they eat bread? but he answered them, why do you violate the law of God to follow your tradition? read more.
for this is a commandment of God, "honour thy father and mother; and, he that curses father or mother, let him be punish'd with death." but your doctrine is this, if any man declares to his father or mother, that whatever he has to give for their relief is dedicated to the temple; he is not oblig'd to regard his father or his mother. thus have ye disannull'd the commandment of God by your tradition. the prophecy of Esaias exactly suits such hypocrites as you; "this people, says he, draw nigh to me, they honour me with their lips: while their hearts are far from me. but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men."

Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky. but he answered them, in the evening you foretel fair weather: when the sky is of a bright red. and in the morning, a foul day: when the sky is of a dusky red. hypocrites, can ye judge of the appearance of the sky, and yet not discern the signs of these times? read more.
a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas. and so leaving them, he went away. Now at their departure to go to the other side, his disciples had forgot to take bread. and Jesus said to them, have a care of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees. upon which they said to one another, this comes from our not taking any bread. which Jesus perceiving, he said, distrustful men, why do ye trouble your heads about forgetting the bread? where's your understanding? don't you remember the five loaves among five thousand and how many baskets ye took away? nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye carried away? why, can't you perceive, that in cautioning you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees, I did not speak of bread? then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine.

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, read more.
their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

At another time Jesus was casting out a demon, that was dumb: and as soon as the demon was gone out, the dumb man spoke: and the people wondred. but some of them said, he casteth out demons by Beelzebub the prince of the demons. others, to try him, desir'd he would show some miraculous sign in the heaven. read more.
but Jesus perceiving their suspicions, said to them, every kingdom divided against itself will soon be desolate: one family divided against another, falls to ruin. so if satan be divided against himself, how can his kingdom subsist? for you assert, that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. but if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? wherefore they shall be your judges. but if I cast out demons by the finger of God, it follows, that the reign of the Messiah is now begun among you. when a man that is stout and well arm'd guards his palace, his possessions are safe. but if a stronger than he should assault, and overcome him, he will strip him of all his furniture on which he relyed, and divide the plunder. He that does not join with me, is against me: and he that is not active for me, is a deserter. When the impure spirit is gone out of a man, he wanders about the wilds in quest of some repose: but finding none, I will return, says he, to the abode I have quitted. and at his return he findeth it swept and garnished. then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself: they all enter in and dwell there, and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. As he was discoursing thus, a certain woman in the middle of the crowd lift up her voice, and said to him, happy the mother, who bare thee: happy the nurse, who gave thee milk. but rather, said he, happy are they who hear the word of God, and put it in practice. and as the crowd grew more numerous, he thus began, this is a degenerate race of men: they demand a miracle: but no miracle shall be exhibited, but such as happen'd in the person of Jonas the prophet. for as the case of Jonas was a miraculous instance to the Ninevites, so shall the son of man be to this generation. the queen of the south shall rise up in the day of judgment against this generation, and condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; but now, a greater than Solomon is here. the people of Nineve shall rise up in the day of Judgment, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; but now, a greater than Jonas is here. However, when a man has once lighted his lamp, he does not hide it in a by-place, or under a bushel; but sets it on a stand, that all who come in may have light. the eye is the light of the body: if therefore your eye be clear, every member of your body will have the benefit of the light: but if it be spoil'd, they must all rest in darkness. take care therefore, that the light which is in thee do not become darkness. for if thy whole body be enlightned, and no part dark, your whole conduct will be regulated, just as the light of a lamp directs all your motions. While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table. but the Pharisee was surprized to see that he did not wash before dinner. upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light. As he was pursuing his discourse, the Scribes and Pharisees passionately urg'd him with many captious questions, in order to ensnare him, and draw something from his own mouth, that might be brought as evidence against him.

Then many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him; at which the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man gives access to men of bad character, and eats with them. but he propos'd to them this parable. read more.
who of you that has an hundred sheep, will not, upon losing one, leave the ninety nine in the desart, to go after that which is lost, till he finds it? and when he hath found it, joyfully lay it upon his shoulders? and when he comes home, call his friends and neighbours together, and say to them, rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, that was lost? I tell you, that there shall likewise be greater joy in heaven for one sinner that repents, than for ninety nine just persons, that need no repentance. or if a woman, that has ten pieces of money, should lose one of them, will she not light a lamp, sweep the house, and carefully search, till she find it? and when 'tis found, will she not call her friends aud neighbours together, and say, rejoice with me, for I have found the piece, I had lost?

Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. read more.
wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, read more.
their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

Then they sent some of the Pharisees, and of the Herodians to insnare him in his discourse. when they were come, they said to him, master, we know that you are sincere, that you are not influenced by any one, for you have no regard to the person of men: but teach us the way of God according to truth. now should we pay tribute to Cesar, or no? shall we pay, or shall we not pay? but he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said to them, why do you lay snares for me? read more.
let me see a penny. and when they brought it, he asked them, whose image and inscription is this? they said, Cesar's. to which Jesus reply'd, render to Cesar what belongs to Cesar, and to God what belongs to God. and they were surprized at the answer. Then the Saducees, who deny the resurrection, came and asked him, saying, master, Moses has left it us in writing, that if a man dies, and leaves his wife without any children, his brother should marry his widow, in order to perpetuate his name. now there were seven brothers: the first married a wife and died, leaving her without any children. the second married her, and he died too without leaving her any children: the third did the same. so that all the seven married her, but left no children. last of all she died. at the time therefore of the resurrection, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all married her. Jesus answered them, don't you see you are in a mistake, by being unacquainted with the scriptures, as well as with the power of God? for when they shall rise from the dead, they neither will marry, nor be given in marriage, but be immortal like the angels in heaven. and as for the dead, that they will actually rise, have you not read in the book of Moses those words, which God pronounc'd out of the bush to him, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?" he is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: and therefore you greatly mistake the meaning. One of the Scribes, that had heard their dispute, observing the propriety of his answers, propos'd this question to him, which is the principal commandment of all? Jesus answer'd him, the first of all the commandments is thus deliver'd, "hear, o Israel, the lord our God is the only lord. you shall therefore love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, to the utmost of your understanding, and all your faculties." this is the first commandment. and the second, which has an affinity to it, is this: "you shall love your neighbour as yourself." there is no other commandment greater than these. the Scribe replied, what you have said, master, is very true, there is one God, and no other but he. and to love him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, with all its faculties, and to love one's neighbour as one's self is more acceptable than all the offerings and sacrifices in the world. Jesus observing he answer'd so discreetly, said to him, you are not far from the kingdom of God. and no man after that was so hardy as to ask him any question. As Jesus was teaching in the temple, he address'd himself to them, saying, why do the Scribes maintain that Christ is the son of David? for David himself, who was inspired by the holy spirit, has this expression, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou at my right hand till I make thy enemies thy foot-stool." now since David himself calls him Lord, how can he be David's son? and the common people heard him with pleasure. in the sequel of the discourse, he said to them, beware of the Scribes, who affect to walk about in their long robes, to be saluted in publick places, and to have the first seats in their synagogues, and at their feasts: who yet devour widows estates under the shew of making long prayers, such shall receive greater condemnation.

upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. read more.
but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light. As he was pursuing his discourse, the Scribes and Pharisees passionately urg'd him with many captious questions, in order to ensnare him, and draw something from his own mouth, that might be brought as evidence against him.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. read more.
just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. read more.
but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.



whoever therefore shall break any commandment, tho' of the least importance, and shall teach men so to do, shall not have the least admittance into the kingdom of the Messias: but whoever shall do and teach them, he shall be great in the kingdom of the Messias. Verse ConceptsFalse TeachingsCommands, in NTKingdom Of God, Characteristics OfTeachingInferiorityMisteachingGreatness Of DisciplesTeaching The Way Of GodUnimportant ThingsBreaking The Ten Commandmentsrelaxingrelaxation

said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another. for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, read more.
their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna?

why do your disciples violate the tradition of our ancestors, in not washing their hands when they eat bread? but he answered them, why do you violate the law of God to follow your tradition? for this is a commandment of God, "honour thy father and mother; and, he that curses father or mother, let him be punish'd with death." read more.
but your doctrine is this, if any man declares to his father or mother, that whatever he has to give for their relief is dedicated to the temple; he is not oblig'd to regard his father or his mother. thus have ye disannull'd the commandment of God by your tradition. the prophecy of Esaias exactly suits such hypocrites as you; "this people, says he, draw nigh to me, they honour me with their lips: while their hearts are far from me. but in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the institutions of men." Then he called the multitude and said to them, hear and understand. that which entereth by the mouth is not what defiles a man: but what defiles the man is that which is discharged by the mouth. Thereupon his disciples drawing nigh, said, did you observe, how the Pharisees were scandalized at your discourse? but he answered, every plantation which my heavenly father hath not planted shall be rooted up. let them alone: they are blind leaders of the blind. now if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. then Peter said to him, tell us the meaning of that expression. and Jesus said, are ye also yet without understanding? do not ye yet conceive, that whatever enters at the mouth, passes to the belly, and is discharged downwards? but what proceeds out of the mouth, is deriv'd from the heart, and that defiles the man. out of the heart proceed evil designs, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false testimony, slanders. these are the things which defile a man: but to eat without washing one's hands, that does not defile a man.

but the Pharisee was surprized to see that he did not wash before dinner. upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality. do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? read more.
be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light.

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty

wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. Verse ConceptsWhiteWicked Described AsSepulchresThe Inward BeingBonesFigurative BurialsWhitewashingBeauty Of ThingsUnclean ThingsHypocritesHypocrisyInner Beauty