Matthew 23:2 - saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat.
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What does "Matthew 23:2" mean?
The verse "saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat." (Matthew 23:2) means that the scribes and Pharisees held positions of authority in interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses. Here's a breakdown:
"Scribes and Pharisees": These were leading Jewish religious figures in Jesus' time. Scribes were experts in the Law, copying and interpreting it. Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions.
"Sat on Moses' seat": This is a metaphorical expression. "Moses' seat" refers to the authority to interpret and teach the Law of Moses. It suggests a position of religious leadership and legitimacy. Moses was considered the ultimate lawgiver in Judaism. Those who "sat on Moses' seat" claimed to be the successors to Moses in interpreting and applying the Law.
In Essence:
Jesus is acknowledging that, despite their hypocrisy (which he goes on to criticize in the rest of the chapter), the scribes and Pharisees held a recognized position of authority to interpret and teach the Law. He's not necessarily endorsing their teachings themselves, but rather acknowledging their official role.
Context is Key:
It's crucial to read this verse in the context of the entire chapter of Matthew 23. Jesus uses this statement as a springboard to launch a scathing critique of the scribes and Pharisees' hypocrisy. He accuses them of:
Saying one thing and doing another.
Burdening people with rules they themselves don't follow.
Seeking praise and status.
Being more concerned with outward appearances than inward righteousness.
Therefore, the verse has a somewhat ironic and accusatory tone. Jesus is saying, "They have the authority to teach the Law, but they are failing to live up to its true meaning." He is not saying they are good teachers, but rather that they occupy a position from which they should be good teachers and examples.
Matthew 23:2 - saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat.
What does "Matthew 23:2" mean?
The verse "saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses’ seat." (Matthew 23:2) means that the scribes and Pharisees held positions of authority in interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses. Here's a breakdown:
"Scribes and Pharisees": These were leading Jewish religious figures in Jesus' time. Scribes were experts in the Law, copying and interpreting it. Pharisees were a prominent religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions.
"Sat on Moses' seat": This is a metaphorical expression. "Moses' seat" refers to the authority to interpret and teach the Law of Moses. It suggests a position of religious leadership and legitimacy. Moses was considered the ultimate lawgiver in Judaism. Those who "sat on Moses' seat" claimed to be the successors to Moses in interpreting and applying the Law.
In Essence:
Jesus is acknowledging that, despite their hypocrisy (which he goes on to criticize in the rest of the chapter), the scribes and Pharisees held a recognized position of authority to interpret and teach the Law. He's not necessarily endorsing their teachings themselves, but rather acknowledging their official role.
Context is Key:
It's crucial to read this verse in the context of the entire chapter of Matthew 23. Jesus uses this statement as a springboard to launch a scathing critique of the scribes and Pharisees' hypocrisy. He accuses them of:
Saying one thing and doing another.
Burdening people with rules they themselves don't follow.
Seeking praise and status.
Being more concerned with outward appearances than inward righteousness.
Therefore, the verse has a somewhat ironic and accusatory tone. Jesus is saying, "They have the authority to teach the Law, but they are failing to live up to its true meaning." He is not saying they are good teachers, but rather that they occupy a position from which they should be good teachers and examples.