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30 Bible Verses About Hypocrites

by Amelia Wilson

Hypocrisy is a theme that resonates throughout the Bible, serving as a stern warning to believers and non-believers alike. The term “hypocrite” originates from the Greek word “hypokrites,” which means “actor” or “stage player.” In essence, a hypocrite is someone who pretends to be something they are not, often masking their true intentions or character behind a facade of righteousness. The Bible is replete with verses that address hypocrisy, particularly within the context of religious practice and leadership. These verses not only condemn hypocritical behavior but also offer guidance on how to live authentically and righteously.

In this article, we will explore 30 Bible verses that discuss hypocrisy. These verses span both the Old and New Testaments, providing a comprehensive view of how hypocrisy is perceived and addressed in Scripture. Whether you are a seasoned Bible scholar or a curious seeker, these verses will offer valuable insights into the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith.

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1. Matthew 6:2

“Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

In this verse, Jesus warns against performing acts of charity for the sake of public recognition. Hypocrites, He explains, seek the applause of men rather than the approval of God. True righteousness is motivated by a desire to honor God, not to gain human praise.

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2. Matthew 7:5

“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Here, Jesus uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the folly of hypocrisy. He admonishes those who are quick to judge others while ignoring their own faults. Self-awareness and humility are essential for genuine spiritual growth.

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3. Matthew 15:7-9

“Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

Jesus quotes Isaiah to condemn the religious leaders of His time. Their outward displays of piety were meaningless because their hearts were not aligned with God’s will. True worship involves both sincere words and a devoted heart.

4. Matthew 22:18

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites?’”

In this encounter, Jesus discerns the insincerity of the Pharisees who sought to trap Him with their questions. His response underscores the futility of trying to deceive God, who sees the true intentions of the heart.

5. Matthew 23:13

“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.”

Jesus pronounces a series of woes on the religious leaders, accusing them of hindering others from entering the kingdom of heaven. Their hypocrisy not only harmed themselves but also misled those who looked to them for guidance.

6. Matthew 23:25

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.”

This verse highlights the disparity between the Pharisees’ outward appearance of righteousness and their inner corruption. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner purity over external rituals.

7. Matthew 23:27

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.”

Jesus uses the imagery of whitewashed tombs to illustrate the Pharisees’ hypocrisy. Their outward piety masked a spiritually dead interior, serving as a warning against superficial religiosity.

8. Mark 7:6

“He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”’”

Jesus reiterates the prophecy of Isaiah to condemn the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. Genuine honor of God requires more than mere words; it demands a heart that is truly devoted to Him.

9. Luke 6:42

“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”

This verse echoes the teaching in Matthew 7:5, emphasizing the need for self-examination before attempting to correct others. Hypocrisy blinds us to our own faults while magnifying the faults of others.

10. Luke 12:56

“Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?”

Jesus rebukes the crowd for their inability to recognize the significance of His ministry. Their spiritual blindness is a form of hypocrisy, as they focus on earthly matters while ignoring the divine.

11. Luke 13:15

“The Lord then answered him and said, ‘Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?’”

In this verse, Jesus exposes the inconsistency of the synagogue leader’s interpretation of the Sabbath. Their hypocrisy is evident in their willingness to care for animals while criticizing Jesus for healing a woman.

12. Romans 2:1

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.”

Paul addresses the hypocrisy of those who judge others while committing the same sins. This verse serves as a reminder that we are all accountable to God and should approach others with humility and grace.

13. Romans 12:9

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

Paul exhorts believers to practice genuine love, free from hypocrisy. True love is sincere and seeks the well-being of others, reflecting the character of Christ.

14. 1 Corinthians 13:1

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”

This verse underscores the emptiness of spiritual gifts when they are not accompanied by genuine love. Hypocrisy renders even the most impressive acts of devotion meaningless.

15. Galatians 2:13

“And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.”

Paul recounts an incident where even Barnabas, a trusted companion, was influenced by the hypocrisy of others. This serves as a cautionary tale about the subtle and pervasive nature of hypocrisy.

16. Ephesians 4:25

“Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of truthfulness in the Christian community. Hypocrisy, which often involves deceit, undermines the unity and integrity of the body of Christ.

17. Colossians 3:9

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”

This verse reiterates the call to honesty and authenticity. Hypocrisy, rooted in deceit, is incompatible with the new life believers have in Christ.

18. Titus 1:16

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.”

Paul describes the hypocrisy of those who claim to know God but live in disobedience. True faith is evidenced by a life that aligns with God’s will.

19. James 3:17

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

James contrasts heavenly wisdom with earthly wisdom, highlighting the importance of sincerity and integrity. Hypocrisy has no place in the wisdom that comes from God.

20. 1 Peter 2:1

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.”

Peter urges believers to rid themselves of hypocrisy and other sinful behaviors. Genuine spiritual growth requires the removal of all forms of deceit and insincerity.

21. 1 John 2:4

“He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

John addresses the hypocrisy of those who claim to know God but do not obey His commandments. True knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience and love.

22. 1 John 3:18

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

John emphasizes the importance of authentic love, which is expressed through actions rather than mere words. Hypocrisy undermines the credibility of our love for others.

23. Proverbs 11:9

“The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.”

This proverb highlights the destructive nature of hypocrisy, which can harm others through deceitful words. The righteous, in contrast, are preserved by their knowledge and integrity.

24. Proverbs 20:19

“He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.”

This verse warns against the hypocrisy of those who flatter with their words while spreading gossip. Such behavior is deceitful and harmful to relationships.

25. Isaiah 29:13

“Therefore the Lord said: ‘Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.’”

Isaiah condemns the hypocrisy of those who honor God with their words but not with their hearts. True worship involves a sincere and devoted heart, not just outward rituals.

26. Jeremiah 12:2

“You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; they grow, yes, they bear fruit. You are near in their mouth but far from their mind.”

Jeremiah laments the hypocrisy of those who profess loyalty to God but do not truly know Him. Their words are empty because their hearts are not aligned with God’s will.

27. Ezekiel 33:31

“So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.”

Ezekiel describes the hypocrisy of those who listen to God’s words but do not act on them. Their outward display of devotion masks a self-serving heart.

28. Hosea 10:2

“Their heart is divided; now they are held guilty. He will break down their altars; He will ruin their sacred pillars.”

Hosea addresses the divided heart of the people, whose hypocrisy leads to guilt and judgment. True devotion to God requires an undivided heart.

29. Malachi 1:14

“But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—for I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and My name is to be feared among the nations.”

Malachi condemns the hypocrisy of those who offer defective sacrifices to God. Such deceitful practices dishonor God and provoke His wrath.

30. Zechariah 7:5

“Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me?’”

Zechariah questions the sincerity of the people’s fasting, highlighting the hypocrisy of performing religious rituals without true devotion to God. Genuine worship is motivated by a desire to honor God, not to fulfill obligations.

Conclusion

Hypocrisy is a pervasive issue that the Bible addresses with clarity and urgency. From the teachings of Jesus to the exhortations of the apostles, Scripture consistently condemns hypocritical behavior and calls for genuine faith and integrity. These 30 verses provide a comprehensive overview of the Bible’s stance on hypocrisy, offering valuable lessons for believers today.

As we reflect on these verses, let us examine our own hearts and actions. Are we living authentically, or are we masking our true intentions behind a facade of righteousness? Let us strive to honor God with both our words and our deeds, seeking to live lives of sincerity and integrity. In doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and grow in our relationship with God, bringing glory to His name.

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