CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 23:26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/23-26.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/40_Mat_23_26.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 23:26 - Woes to Scribes and Pharisees" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/23-26.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/23-26.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 26</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm" title="Matthew 23:25">◄</a> Matthew 23:26 <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm" title="Matthew 23:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/23.htm">New International Version</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. <a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside will become clean, too. <a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. <a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the dish, that their outside might become clean also. <a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a> Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a> Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may also become clean. <a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. <a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also. <a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> You [spiritually] blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the plate [examine and change your inner self to conform to God’s precepts], so that the outside [your public life and deeds] may be clean also. <a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside of it may also become clean. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so the outside of it may also become clean. <a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also. <a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of a cup, and then the outside will also be clean. <a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside thereof may become clean also. <a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You blind Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cups and dishes so that the outside may also be clean. <a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> Blind Pharisee! Clean what is inside the cup first, and then the outside will be clean too! <a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that its outside may also be clean. <a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. <a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside may become clean too! <a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and the plate, so that the outside may become clean also. <a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also. <a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a> You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them may also become clean. <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Blind Pharisee! First cleanse the inside of the cup and of the dish, that their outside might become clean also. <a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'Blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them also may become clean. <a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> O blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, and side dish of sweetmeats, that also their outside might be clean.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Thou blind Pharisee, first make clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside may become clean. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and then what is outside becomes clean. <a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a> Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may be clean. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup, so that the outside also may become clean.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Blind Pharisees! clean first the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that their outside may also be clean. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Blind Pharisees, wash first the inside of the cup and dish that their outside may also be clean.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Blind Pharisee! first make clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside of them also may be clean.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Ye blind Pharisee, first purify the inside of the cup, in order that its outside may be clean.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Thou blind Pharisee! cleanse first the inside of the cup and dish, that their outside may become clean also. <a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also. <a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Blind Pharisees! cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that its outside also may become clean.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>thou blind pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and of the dish, that the outside of them may be also clean.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/23-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6905" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a> …25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26<a href="/greek/5185.htm" title="5185: typhle (Adj-VMS) -- Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind.">Blind</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaie (N-VMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisee!</a> <a href="/greek/4412.htm" title="4412: prōton (Adv-S) -- First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly.">First</a> <a href="/greek/2511.htm" title="2511: katharison (V-AMA-2S) -- To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse.">clean</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1787.htm" title="1787: entos (Adv) -- Within, inside, the inside. From en; inside.">inside</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/4221.htm" title="4221: potēriou (N-GNS) -- A drinking cup, the contents of the cup; fig: the portion which God allots. ">cup</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3953.htm" title="3953: paropsidos (N-GFS) -- Prop: a dainty side-dish; meton: a plate, dish, platter. From para and the base of opsarion; a side-dish.">dish,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so that</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1622.htm" title="1622: ektos (Adv) -- From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides.">outside</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genētai (V-ASM-3S) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">may become</a> <a href="/greek/2513.htm" title="2513: katharon (Adj-NNS) -- Clean.">clean</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">as well.</a> 27Woe 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39-41</a> Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. / You fools! Did not the One who made the outside make the inside as well? / But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you. <a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18-20</a> But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man. / For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. / These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.” <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Mark 7:21-23</a> For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. / All these evils come from within, and these are what defile a man.” <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10</a> Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. <a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25-27</a> I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. / I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. / And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances. <a href="/jeremiah/4-14.htm">Jeremiah 4:14</a> Wash the evil from your heart, O Jerusalem, so that you may be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts within you? <a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a> Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a> But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or height, for I have rejected him; the LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.” <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a> Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life. <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16-18</a> Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! / Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” / “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">1 Peter 3:3-4</a> Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28-29</a> A man is not a Jew because he is one outwardly, nor is circumcision only outward and physical. / No, a man is a Jew because he is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise does not come from men, but from God. <a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a> Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. <a href="/titus/1-15.htm">Titus 1:15</a> To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled. <a href="/hebrews/10-22.htm">Hebrews 10:22</a> let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.cleanse.<a href="/matthew/12-33.htm">Matthew 12:33</a> Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.<a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.<a href="/jeremiah/4-14.htm">Jeremiah 4:14</a> O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/23-24.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Dish</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-14.htm">Equally</a> <a href="/matthew/23-6.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Pharisee</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Plate</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Platter</a> <a href="/matthew/22-7.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/8-22.htm">Blind</a> <a href="/matthew/27-59.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/mark/1-40.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/matthew/26-27.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/matthew/26-23.htm">Dish</a> <a href="/romans/4-18.htm">Equally</a> <a href="/matthew/24-8.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Inside</a> <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Pharisee</a> <a href="/matthew/26-23.htm">Plate</a> <a href="/mark/6-25.htm">Platter</a> <a href="/matthew/24-31.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/matthew/23-27.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div>1. <a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Blind Pharisee! This phrase is a direct rebuke from Jesus to the Pharisees, a religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. The term "blind" signifies their spiritual blindness and inability to perceive the true essence of God's commandments. In the broader biblical context, blindness often symbolizes a lack of understanding or insight (<a href="/isaiah/42-18.htm">Isaiah 42:18-20</a>). Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and focus on external appearances rather than internal righteousness (<a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a>).First clean the inside of the cup and dish, Here, Jesus uses a metaphor to illustrate the importance of inner purity over outward appearances. The "inside of the cup and dish" represents the heart and inner life of a person. In Jewish culture, ritual cleanliness was significant, and the Pharisees were meticulous about external purification (<a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3-4</a>). However, Jesus emphasizes that true cleanliness begins within, aligning with the biblical principle that God looks at the heart (<a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>).so that the outside may become clean as well. This phrase suggests that when the heart is purified, outward actions will naturally reflect that inner transformation. It underscores the biblical teaching that genuine righteousness flows from a transformed heart (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). The connection between inner purity and outward behavior is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a>, which speaks of pure and undefiled religion. Jesus' teaching here challenges the superficial religiosity of the Pharisees and calls for a holistic approach to righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> - The speaker of this verse, addressing the Pharisees with a call to genuine inner purity. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> - A religious group in Judaism known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions, often criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> - The city where Jesus delivered this teaching, a central place for Jewish worship and religious leadership. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_cup_and_dish.htm">The Cup and Dish</a> - Metaphors used by Jesus to illustrate the importance of inner purity over outward appearances. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> - While not directly mentioned in this verse, it serves as the backdrop for Jesus' teachings in <a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>, highlighting the religious context.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/i/inner_purity_over_outward_appearance.htm">Inner Purity Over Outward Appearance</a> Jesus emphasizes the importance of internal transformation rather than merely focusing on external rituals or appearances. <a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy_and_authenticity.htm">Hypocrisy and Authenticity</a> The Pharisees are criticized for their hypocrisy. Believers are called to live authentically, ensuring their actions align with their inner convictions. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_worship.htm">The Heart of Worship</a> True worship stems from a pure heart. Believers should focus on cultivating a sincere relationship with God rather than performing religious duties for show. <a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a> Regular self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. Believers should assess their hearts and motives, seeking God's help to cleanse and renew them. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_christ.htm">Transformation Through Christ</a> Inner cleansing is possible through Christ's transformative power. Believers are encouraged to rely on the Holy Spirit for ongoing sanctification.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a> <a href="/q/what_are_spiritual_sacrifices.htm">What are the key events in Jesus' life timeline?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_e._w._kenyon_and_his_influence.htm">Are you already clean?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_define_hubris.htm">How does the Bible define hubris?</a> <a href="/q/what_did_jesus_mean_by_'whitewashed_tombs'.htm">What did Jesus mean by "whitewashed tombs"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) That the outside of them may be clean also.--The implied premise is that "uncleanness" in its ethical sense was altogether distinct from the outward uncleanness with which the Pharisees identified it. If the contents of the cup were pure in their source and in their use, they made the outside "clean," irrespective of any process of surface purification.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - Thou blind Pharisee. The address is in the singular number, to give vividness and personal effect, and the epithet accentuates the absurdity censured. Cleanse first that which is within. They must learn to reverse their practice. If you wanted to have your food pure, you would clean the inside of your vessel more carefully than the outside. The external purity should proceed from and be a token of the internal. So in the case of the moral agent, the ceremonial purity is a mockery and hypocrisy unless it be accompanied by holiness of the heart. That the outside of them may be (γένηται, may become) clean also. However fair to see, the man is not pure unless his soul is clean; he cannot be called pure while the higher part of his being is soiled and foul with sin. And inward saintliness cannot be hidden; it shines forth in the countenance; it is known by speech and action; it sheds sunshine wherever it gees. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Blind τυφλέ (typhle) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5185.htm">Strong's 5185: </a> Blind, physically or mentally. From, tuphoo; opaque, i.e. blind. Pharisee! Φαρισαῖε (Pharisaie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. First πρῶτον (prōton) Adverb - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_4412.htm">Strong's 4412: </a> First, in the first place, before, formerly. Neuter of protos as adverb; firstly. clean καθάρισον (katharison) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2511.htm">Strong's 2511: </a> To cleanse, make clean, literally, ceremonially, or spiritually, according to context. From katharos; to cleanse. the τὸ (to) Article - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. inside ἐντὸς (entos) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1787.htm">Strong's 1787: </a> Within, inside, the inside. From en; inside. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. cup ποτηρίου (potēriou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4221.htm">Strong's 4221: </a> A drinking cup, the contents of the cup; fig: the portion which God allots. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. dish, παροψίδος (paropsidos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3953.htm">Strong's 3953: </a> Prop: a dainty side-dish; meton: a plate, dish, platter. From para and the base of opsarion; a side-dish. so that ἵνα (hina) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. outside ἐκτὸς (ektos) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1622.htm">Strong's 1622: </a> From ek; the exterior; figuratively aside from, besides. may become γένηται (genētai) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. clean καθαρόν (katharon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2513.htm">Strong's 2513: </a> Clean. as well. καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/23-26.htm">Matthew 23:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-26.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:26 You blind Pharisee first clean the inside (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>