Matthew 23 5

Matthew 23:5 kjv

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Matthew 23:5 nkjv

But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.

Matthew 23:5 niv

"Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;

Matthew 23:5 esv

They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,

Matthew 23:5 nlt

"Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.

Matthew 23 verses

Matthew 23 5 Meaning

Matthew 23:5 reveals Jesus' condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees for performing their religious duties with the primary intention of being seen and applauded by other people, rather than out of genuine devotion to God. This outward show of piety is specifically illustrated by their deliberate enlargement of phylacteries and the lengthening of their prayer fringes, actions that were designed to draw attention to their supposed greater devotion and righteousness.

Matthew 23 5 Context

Matthew chapter 23 begins with Jesus giving His final public discourse, primarily directed at His disciples but overheard by the crowds, critiquing the religious leaders of His day—the scribes and Pharisees. He acknowledges their position as teachers of the Law ("they sit on Moses' seat") but vehemently warns against imitating their actions, focusing on their hypocrisy. This verse sets the stage for a series of "woes" that Jesus pronounces against them throughout the chapter, highlighting their self-exaltation, burdening of others, and pretense of righteousness. Historically, the scribes and Pharisees were influential interpreters and practitioners of Jewish law. While the objects mentioned (phylacteries and fringes) were legitimate expressions of Mosaic Law, Jesus's criticism centers not on the practice itself, but on the motive—a public display designed to gain honor from men rather than a private act of devotion to God. This was a direct polemic against their performance-based righteousness, which undermined true spirituality.

Matthew 23 5 Word analysis

• All their works: (πάντα τὰ ἔργα αὐτῶν - panta ta erga autōn) Refers to their religious observances, acts of piety, and even everyday conduct. The emphasis is on the totality of their outward behavior, suggesting that the underlying motive tainted their entire approach to faith.
• They do: (ποιοῦσιν - poiousin) Present tense, active voice. Implies a continuous, deliberate action and a characteristic habit, not a singular occurrence. They habitually and intentionally perform these acts.
• to be seen by men: (πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις - pros to theathenai tois anthropois) This is the crux of Jesus' criticism. The Greek term theathenai comes from theaomai, meaning "to gaze upon," "to behold," "to see as a spectacle." It highlights the deliberate intention to make themselves a public display or spectacle for human observation and admiration. This motive contrasts sharply with seeking God's approval.
• They make their phylacteries broad:
  • Phylacteries: (φυλακτήρια - phylaktēria) From phylasso, meaning "to guard," "to preserve." These were small leather boxes containing scrolls with scripture passages (Deut 6:8, Ex 13:9, Ex 13:16). They were worn on the forehead and arm during prayer. The original purpose was to serve as a literal reminder of God's commands and presence.
  • broad: The intention of making them broad (platynousin) was not about stricter obedience to the command, which specified tying them as symbols, but to make them more noticeable and prominent, suggesting a greater, exaggerated piety than others.
• and their fringes long:
  • Fringes: (κράσπεδα - kraspeda) These were tassels or cords, traditionally worn on the four corners of outer garments by Jewish men, as commanded in Num 15:37-41 and Deut 22:12. They served as a reminder of God's commandments, distinct from pagan practices. Jesus himself wore fringes (Mt 9:20).
  • long: Making the fringes long (megalynousin) again denotes an exaggeration beyond the scriptural command. Like the phylacteries, this was to make their piety more visible and impress others with their supposed devotion.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "All their works... to be seen by men": This phrase captures the essence of their hypocrisy—the internal motivation of external actions. It is a fundamental spiritual principle: the why matters more than the what in the eyes of God. It's not about forbidding religious practices but condemning the performative heart behind them.
  • "They make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long": This highlights how even legitimate religious commands could be twisted and exploited for personal gain or human praise. They amplified visual markers of piety, effectively turning God's commands into props for a show.

Matthew 23 5 Bonus section

The deliberate enlargement of phylacteries and lengthening of fringes would have been immediately recognizable signs of extreme piety in first-century Judaism. Such exaggerated adherence was interpreted as evidence of deep reverence for the Law and profound spirituality. However, Jesus reveals this public display to be a form of pride, where religious devotion becomes a competitive spectacle aimed at securing social status and honor rather than pursuing humility before God. This behavior stems from a love for human glory, which Scripture repeatedly contrasts with seeking the glory that comes from God alone. This highlights a universal spiritual danger: when outward conformity eclipses inward transformation, religion can become a vehicle for self-exaltation instead of a pathway to true worship and obedience.

Matthew 23 5 Commentary

Matthew 23:5 vividly exposes the essence of religious hypocrisy. Jesus isn't condemning the wearing of phylacteries or fringes in themselves; these were commands derived from the Law of Moses. His condemnation targets the intent behind the actions. The scribes and Pharisees meticulously followed the external rituals but amplified their visible aspects, such as making their phylacteries larger and their fringes longer, precisely to draw attention to themselves and to impress others with their piety. This contrasts sharply with true righteousness, which flows from an internal devotion to God, where acts of faith, giving, prayer, and fasting are done privately or with motives fixed on divine approval rather than human acclaim (as emphasized in Matthew 6). This verse serves as a timeless warning that genuine faith values the heart over outward appearance and divine affirmation over popular approval.