Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the metaphor of "whited walls" or "whitewashed walls" is used to describe hypocrisy, particularly among religious leaders and those who outwardly appear righteous but are inwardly corrupt. This imagery is vividly employed in both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a powerful critique of superficial piety and moral duplicity.The term "whited wall" is notably used in the New Testament during the Apostle Paul's trial before the Sanhedrin. In Acts 23:3, Paul rebukes the high priest Ananias, saying, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck." . Here, Paul accuses Ananias of hypocrisy, highlighting the inconsistency between his role as a judge of the law and his unlawful actions. The concept of whitewashing is rooted in the practice of covering walls with a thin layer of lime or plaster to give them a clean and pure appearance. This practice is referenced in the Old Testament, where the prophets use it to criticize the leaders of Israel for their deceit and false assurances. In Ezekiel 13:10-12, the prophet condemns the false prophets who "whitewash" flimsy walls, saying, "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they whitewash it, therefore tell those whitewashing the wall that it will fall." . This passage underscores the futility and danger of superficial solutions that mask underlying problems. Jesus Christ also employs this metaphor in His denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees. In Matthew 23:27-28, He declares, "Woe 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. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." . This stark imagery emphasizes the contrast between external appearances and internal realities, warning against the dangers of religious pretense. The metaphor of "whited walls" serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity and authenticity in the life of faith. It calls believers to examine their own hearts and actions, ensuring that their outward expressions of faith are matched by genuine inner transformation. The biblical critique of hypocrisy challenges individuals and communities to pursue righteousness that is not merely performative but deeply rooted in a sincere relationship with God. In summary, the imagery of "whited walls" in the Bible is a powerful symbol of hypocrisy, used to expose the dissonance between outward appearances and inner realities. It serves as a cautionary tale for all who seek to live a life of faith, urging them to cultivate authenticity and integrity in their walk with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 23:3Then said Paul to him, God shall smite you, you white washed wall: for sit you to judge me after the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to the law? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library False Profession. Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. Woes on the Pharisees The Second Part. A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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