{From extortion and excess} (ex harpag(8873) kai akrasias). A
much more serious accusation. These punctilious observers of the
external ceremonies did not hesitate at robbery (harpages) and
graft (akrasias), lack of control. A modern picture of
wickedness in high places both civil and ecclesiastical where the
moral elements in life are ruthlessly trodden under foot. Of
course, the idea is for both the outside ektos and the inside
(entos) of the cup and the platter (fine side dish). But the
inside is the more important. Note the change to singular in
verse  26  as if Jesus in a friendlier tone pleads with a
Pharisee to mend his ways.