Whited Sepulchre - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A "whited sepulchre" (or "whited sepulcher") refers to something that appears righteous or virtuous on the outside but is actually corrupt, evil, or hypocritical within. Imagine a beautifully decorated cake 🎂 with rotten ingredients inside. It's a metaphor for a deceptive facade. The phrase originates from the Bible, specifically Jesus's criticism of religious leaders. It highlights the contrast between outward appearances and inner morality. It describes people or institutions that mask their true nature with a false display of goodness.

Etymology

The term comes from the New Testament, in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus used the phrase to condemn the Pharisees, comparing them to tombs that are painted white on the outside but full of dead men's bones inside. A sepulchre is another word for a tomb or burial place. The act of whitewashing was done to make the tombs look clean and respectable. Therefore, "whited sepulchre" has come to symbolize hypocrisy and hidden evil.

Related Words

Examples

• "The company's environmental campaign was just a whited sepulchre to hide their polluting practices."
• "The politician's promises of reform were a whited sepulchre, as they continued to engage in corruption."
• "Behind her charming smile was a whited sepulchre of jealousy and resentment."
• "The seemingly perfect family was revealed to be a whited sepulchre, hiding years of abuse and neglect."

Encouragement

Strive for authenticity and integrity in your actions and words. Don't fall into the trap of presenting a false image to the world. True strength lies in being honest and genuine, not in a "whited sepulchre." Be real! 💯

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