Matthew 23:2-3
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus acknowledges their official role as teachers of God's Law, referencing an inherited authority passed down from Moses. This isn't about endorsing their personal character, but recognizing the legitimate position they held, from which they were to teach God's word.
Jesus is addressing the crowds and his disciples, preparing to deliver a strong rebuke of the religious leaders. He begins by acknowledging that the scribes and Pharisees hold an authoritative teaching position, inheriting Moses' role as interpreter of the Law. This sets the stage for Jesus to contrast their official authority with their corrupt practices and hypocritical teachings, which he will detail in the verses immediately following.
Jesus acknowledges the official position of the scribes and Pharisees, but why?
Jesus starts this intense confrontation in Matthew 23 by recognizing a crucial distinction. He says the scribes and Pharisees "sit on Moses’ seat." What does this mean?
A Sacred Trust
Jesus tells people to obey them, but not to follow their example. How is this possible?
This is the core tension Jesus introduces. He validates the office of the scribes and Pharisees but exposes the corruption of their lives and methods.
The Distinction Jesus Makes:
Understand the original words
grammateus · Greek Noun
Professional interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic Law; they were tasked with copying, studying, and explaining the Scriptures to the people.
Pharisaios · Greek Noun
A Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the "traditions of the elders." They emphasized ritual purity and separation from those considered non-observant.
kathedra Mōyseōs · Greek Noun phrase
A symbolic position of authority representing the legitimate teaching office of the Law given through Moses. To "sit on Moses' seat" signifies the authority to interpret and declare the Law's requirements.
c. 1400 BC
Moses receives the Law
Moses ascends Mount Sinai and receives the Law from God, becoming the foundational legislator for Israel.
c. 5th century BC
Ezra and the re-establishment of Law
After the exile, Ezra the scribe leads a religious reform, emphasizing the public reading and teaching of the Law, possibly establishing formal teaching positions.
1st century BC - 1st century AD
Rise of Scribes and Pharisees
The Scribes (experts in the Law) and the Pharisees (a devout sect) become prominent religious authorities, interpreting and applying the Law to daily life.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' public ministry and critique
During His ministry, Jesus openly critiques the hypocrisy and false teachings of many Scribes and Pharisees, while acknowledging their role as interpreters of the Law.
This passage establishes the authoritative role of the priests and judges in interpreting God's law, a role later claimed by the scribes and Pharisees sitting in Moses' 'seat'.
Nehemiah 8:1-8This account shows Ezra the scribe reading and explaining the Law to the people, mirroring the teaching function associated with Moses' seat.
Luke 10:16Jesus states that rejecting his messengers is rejecting him; similarly, in Matthew 23:2-3, he acknowledges the authority of those in Moses' seat while warning against their hypocrisy.
Galatians 3:23-25This passage describes the Law as a 'custodian' leading to Christ, highlighting the Law's purpose, which the scribes and Pharisees were meant to uphold but often corrupted.
barnesMatthew 23:2: "Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:"
Scribes and Pharisees - See the notes at Matthew 3:7 . Moses' seat - Moses was the great legislator of the Jews. By him the Law was given. The office of explaining that Law among the Jews devolved on the scribes and Pharisees. In the synagogues they sat while expounding the Law, and rose when they read it. By "sitting in the seat of Moses" we are to understand authority to teach the Law; or, as he taught the nation by giv…
calvinMatthew 23:1-12: "Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,"
- Then Jesus spoke to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2. Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in the chair of Moses. 3. Observe and do, therefore, all things whatever they command you to observe; but do not according to their works; for they say and do not. 4. For they bind heavy and intolerable burdens, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they refuse to touch them with their finger. 5. And they do all their…
Jesus acknowledges their official role as teachers of God's Law, referencing an inherited authority passed down from Moses. This isn't about endorsing their personal character, but recognizing the legitimate position they held, from which they were to teach God's word.
Jesus is addressing the crowds and his disciples, preparing to deliver a strong rebuke of the religious leaders. He begins by acknowledging that the scribes and Pharisees hold an authoritative teaching position, inheriting Moses' role as interpreter of the Law. This sets the stage for Jesus to contrast their official authority with their corrupt practices and hypocritical teachings, which he will detail in the verses immediately following.
"“The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice." — Jesus acknowledges their official role as teachers of God's Law, referencing an inherited authority passed down from Moses. This isn't about endorsing their personal character, but recognizing the le…
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