Luk 11:44 | RWP | e4.org | The tombs which appear not ( τα μνηνεια τα αδηλα ). These hidden graves would give ceremonial defilement for seven days ( ). Hence they were usually whitewashed as a warning. So in the Pharisees are called "whited sepulchres." Men do not know how rotten they are. The word αδηλος ( α privative and δηλος , apparent or plain) occurs in the N.T. only here and , though an old and common word. Here men walking around ( περιπατουντες ) walk over the tombs without knowing it. These three woes cut to the quick and evidently made the Pharisees wince.

‏ Luke 11:44

The tombs which appear not ( τα μνηνεια τα αδηλα ). These hidden graves would give ceremonial defilement for seven days (Nu 19:16). Hence they were usually whitewashed as a warning. So in Mt 23:27 the Pharisees are called "whited sepulchres." Men do not know how rotten they are. The word αδηλος ( α privative and δηλος, apparent or plain) occurs in the N.T. only here and 1Co 14:8, though an old and common word.

Here men walking around ( περιπατουντες ) walk over the tombs without knowing it. These three woes cut to the quick and evidently made the Pharisees wince.