Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:1

What does Matthew 23:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:1 means

Jesus begins a public address to a large crowd including His disciples, directly challenging the religious establishment. This introduction sets the stage for a strong rebuke of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting their authoritative position but also their hypocrisy. By speaking to both groups, Jesus ensures His message reaches those who follow the religious leaders, as well as those who are learning directly from Him, preparing them for the stark contrast in leadership He is about to present. This initial statement prepares the audience for a significant confrontation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Jesus said to the people and to his disciples:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then Jesus spake to the multitudes, and to his disciples,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,

Context

This verse opens Jesus' final public discourse in the temple. It immediately establishes His audience, encompassing both the general multitude who might be influenced by the religious leaders and His own disciples who need guidance. This introduction is crucial as it frames the following criticisms as public teaching rather than private admonition, setting the tone for a direct challenge to the scribal and Pharisaic authority that dominates the chapter.

v.1This passage

v.2saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 15:10

    And he called to him the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

  • Luke 12:1

    In the mean time, when the many thousands of the multitude were gathered together, insomuch that they trod one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

  • Luke 12:57

    And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

  • Luke 20:45

    And in the hearing of all the people he said unto his disciples,

  • Mark 12:38

    And in his teaching he said, Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, andto have salutations in the marketplaces,

  • Mark 7:14

    And he called to him the multitude again, and said unto them, Hear me all of you, and understand:

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