Matthew 23:25-26

Matthew 23:25-26

[25] Woe  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites!  for  ye make clean  the outside  of the cup  and  of the platter,  but  within  they are full  of  extortion  and  excess.  [26] Thou blind  Pharisee,  cleanse  first  that which is within  the cup  and  platter,  that  the outside  of them  may be  clean  also. 

What does Matthew 23:25-26 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus condemned characteristic Pharisaic superficiality with this metaphor. The vessels represent the Pharisees and those they taught. The Jews were to be clean vessels that God could use to bring spiritual nourishment and refreshment to others. The Pharisees taught the importance of being ritually clean by observing the dietary and cleansing ordinances of the Law. Nevertheless they neglected internal purity. The Pharisees were erring in their emphases. They put too much importance on minor matters, especially ritual and external matters, and not enough on major matters, especially those involving spiritual reality. The singular "Pharisee" is probably a generic reference to all Pharisees ( Matthew 23:26).