Matthew 23:5 - But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,
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What does "Matthew 23:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 23:5, is part of a longer condemnation Jesus delivers against the scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders of the time. It highlights their hypocrisy, focusing on their outward displays of religiosity while lacking genuine inner piety. Let's break it down:
"But all their works they do to be seen by men": This is the core of the criticism. Their motivations are not driven by a sincere desire to please God or serve others, but by a desire for public approval and admiration. Their religious acts are performed for show, to impress others with their perceived righteousness.
"They make their phylacteries broad": Phylacteries (also called tefillin) were small leather boxes containing scriptural passages, worn by observant Jewish men on their foreheads and arms during prayer. The size of these boxes wasn't explicitly prescribed, but Jesus accuses the scribes and Pharisees of making theirs excessively large. This would have been a way to outwardly demonstrate their devotion and piety, making their observance seem more significant than others'.
"Enlarge the fringes of their garments": The fringes, or tassels (tzitzit in Hebrew), were attached to the corners of garments as a reminder of God's commandments, as prescribed in Numbers 15:38-40. Again, Jesus isn't criticizing the wearing of fringes themselves, but the act of making them excessively large. This ostentatious display served the same purpose as the large phylacteries: to draw attention to themselves and boast about their supposed adherence to the law.
In summary:
The verse criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for:
Hypocrisy: Their religious practices are motivated by a desire for human praise, not genuine devotion to God.
Ostentation: They exaggerate outward symbols of religious observance (phylacteries and fringes) to appear more pious than they actually are.
Pride: Their actions are driven by a need to feel superior to others and to be recognized for their perceived righteousness.
The verse teaches the importance of:
Sincerity in faith: True religion is not about outward show, but about inward transformation and genuine obedience to God.
Humility: We should not seek praise or recognition for our good deeds, but focus on serving God and others with a humble heart.
Authenticity: Our actions should reflect our true beliefs and values, rather than being a performance for others.
Matthew 23:5 - But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,
What does "Matthew 23:5" mean?
This verse, Matthew 23:5, is part of a longer condemnation Jesus delivers against the scribes and Pharisees, religious leaders of the time. It highlights their hypocrisy, focusing on their outward displays of religiosity while lacking genuine inner piety. Let's break it down:
"But all their works they do to be seen by men": This is the core of the criticism. Their motivations are not driven by a sincere desire to please God or serve others, but by a desire for public approval and admiration. Their religious acts are performed for show, to impress others with their perceived righteousness.
"They make their phylacteries broad": Phylacteries (also called tefillin) were small leather boxes containing scriptural passages, worn by observant Jewish men on their foreheads and arms during prayer. The size of these boxes wasn't explicitly prescribed, but Jesus accuses the scribes and Pharisees of making theirs excessively large. This would have been a way to outwardly demonstrate their devotion and piety, making their observance seem more significant than others'.
"Enlarge the fringes of their garments": The fringes, or tassels (tzitzit in Hebrew), were attached to the corners of garments as a reminder of God's commandments, as prescribed in Numbers 15:38-40. Again, Jesus isn't criticizing the wearing of fringes themselves, but the act of making them excessively large. This ostentatious display served the same purpose as the large phylacteries: to draw attention to themselves and boast about their supposed adherence to the law.
In summary:
The verse criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for:
Hypocrisy: Their religious practices are motivated by a desire for human praise, not genuine devotion to God.
Ostentation: They exaggerate outward symbols of religious observance (phylacteries and fringes) to appear more pious than they actually are.
Pride: Their actions are driven by a need to feel superior to others and to be recognized for their perceived righteousness.
The verse teaches the importance of:
Sincerity in faith: True religion is not about outward show, but about inward transformation and genuine obedience to God.
Humility: We should not seek praise or recognition for our good deeds, but focus on serving God and others with a humble heart.
Authenticity: Our actions should reflect our true beliefs and values, rather than being a performance for others.