Matthew 23:5
They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus highlights that their "good deeds" were a performance, like actors on a stage, specifically aiming to be seen by people. This means their broadened phylacteries (small boxes with scripture on their foreheads and arms) and lengthened fringes weren't about obeying God, but about creating a spectacle of their supposed righteousness for human admiration.
Jesus is addressing the crowds and his disciples, directly confronting the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He's just outlined how they burden others with rules they don't follow themselves, and now he's exposing their core motivation: seeking human admiration for all their religious acts. This critique sets the stage for Jesus to contrast their outward show with genuine righteousness, which he'll continue to explore throughout the chapter.
Ever feel like you're performing for an audience, even in your faith? Jesus calls out this tendency.
Jesus isn't against religious practices themselves. Phylacteries and fringes were commanded by God! The problem Jesus highlights is the motive behind the actions.
The Heart's True Aim
When our 'good works' are primarily aimed at gaining human approval, they become hollow performances. Jesus states plainly, 'all their works they do to be seen by others.' This wasn't just about being noticed; it was about seeking glory and validation from people, not from God.
The Danger of Externalism
This outward show, devoid of genuine heart-devotion, is what Jesus consistently condemned. It's a dangerous trap where religious actions become a mask for pride, rather than expressions of true love for God and others.
Why would religious leaders make their prayer-boxes and tassels noticeably huge? Jesus explains the true reason.
The Pharisees took two specific commandments and amplified them to an extreme degree.
Broad Phylacteries
Phylacteries (or tefillin) were small boxes containing Scripture passages worn on the forehead and arm as a reminder of God's law (Deuteronomy 6:8). The Pharisees made theirs unusually wide. This wasn't about having more Scripture to remember; it was about making a public statement.
Enlarged Garment Fringes
Similarly, fringes on the corners of their garments were commanded by God (Numbers 15:38-39) to remind Israel to obey His commandments. The Pharisees made these fringes excessively long. Both practices were intended to draw attention and signal their supposed superior piety.
The Core Issue: Pride
Jesus cuts to the heart of the matter: these exaggerated symbols weren't about deeper obedience, but about showcasing their supposed righteousness to gain admiration. It was a visual display of self-importance, not genuine devotion.
Understand the original words
phylaktērion · Greek Noun
Small leather boxes containing parchment scrolls with Torah passages, worn on the forehead and arm during prayer. In biblical times, they were intended to be a constant reminder of God's Word, though here they are used as objects of ostentatious display.
kraspedon · Greek Noun
Tassels attached to the corners of garments, commanded in the Law (Numbers 15:38) as a reminder to keep the Lord's commandments. Making them 'long' was a sign of exaggerated outward piety.
The Pharisees' practice of enlarging phylacteries and fringes, while rooted in a divine command to remember God's law, had become a means of seeking human acclaim rather than a genuine expression of devotion.
c. 1400 BC
Command for fringes and phylacteries given
God instructs the Israelites to wear fringes on their garments and to bind His words as signs on their hands and foreheads, serving as constant reminders to obey His commandments.
c. 400 BC
Development of Phylacteries (Tephillin)
During the Second Temple period, Jewish tradition solidifies the practice of wearing phylacteries (tephillin) containing specific scriptural passages, worn on the head and arm.
c. 30 BC - AD 30
Pharisaic emphasis on outward observance
The Pharisees, a prominent religious sect, increasingly emphasized strict adherence to religious laws and traditions, including the outward signs like phylacteries and fringes.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus publicly teaches, debates, and challenges the religious authorities, including the Pharisees, on their interpretations and practices of the Law.
This verse speaks to the heart's desire to keep God's commands, contrasting with the outward show of the Pharisees who performed religious acts to be seen by others. It highlights the internal motivation versus external performance.
Micah 6:8Micah's prophecy calls for justice, mercy, and humility, directly opposing the Pharisees' focus on outward displays and self-exaltation. It presents a true way of living before God that is inwardly motivated and outwardly expressed in righteous action.
Matthew 6:1-4This passage immediately precedes Jesus' teaching on phylacteries and fringes in Matthew 23, directly addressing the sin of performing righteous deeds for human applause rather than for God's glory. It sets the stage for understanding the hypocrisy Jesus condemns.
1 Samuel 16:7This verse reveals God's perspective, looking at the heart rather than outward appearance, which is the core issue with the Pharisees' actions. It emphasizes that God values internal devotion over external show.
Luke 11:43This parallel passage from Luke speaks of the Pharisees' love for prominent places and public greetings, which, like their broad phylacteries and long fringes, were outward signs of a desire for honor from people rather than from God.
vincentMatthew 23:5: "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
To be seen (πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι)See Matthew 6:1, where the same word occurs. The scribes and Pharisees deport themselves with a view to being contemplated as actors in a theatre; so that men may fix their gaze upon them admiringly.Phylacteries - Borders of their garments (φυλακτήρια - κράσπεδα)Phylacteries, called by the Rabbis tephillin, prayer-fil…
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 highlights that their "good deeds" were a performance, like actors on a stage, specifically aiming to be seen by people. This means their broadened phylacteries (small boxes with scripture on their foreheads and arms) and lengthened fringes weren't about obeying God, but about creating a spectacle of their supposed righteousness for human admiration.
Jesus is addressing the crowds and his disciples, directly confronting the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He's just outlined how they burden others with rules they don't follow themselves, and now he's exposing their core motivation: seeking human admiration for all their religious acts. This critique sets the stage for Jesus to contrast their outward show with genuine righteousness, which he'll continue to explore throughout the chapter.
Jesus is addressing the crowds and his disciples, directly confronting the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. He's just outlined how they burden others with rules they don't follow themselves, and now he's exposing their core motivation: seeking human admiration for all their religious acts. This critique sets the stage for Jesus to contrast their outward show with genuine righteousness, which he'll continue to explore throughout the chapter.
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c. AD 30-33
Jesus denounces hypocrisy
Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, outward shows of piety, and self-serving religious practices, highlighting their focus on being seen by others.
"They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long," — Jesus highlights that their "good deeds" were a performance, like actors on a stage, specifically aiming to be seen by people. This means their broadened phylacteries (small boxes with scripture on…
