Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:2

What does Matthew 23:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:2 means

Jesus acknowledges that the scribes and Pharisees hold a legitimate position of authority within Jewish society, acting as interpreters and teachers of the Law, akin to Moses himself. "Moses' seat" signifies their role in expounding the Law and making legal judgments based on it. This recognition is important because it validates their office while simultaneously preparing for a critique of their personal conduct and hypocritical practices. Jesus separates the valid authority of the position from the flawed character of those occupying it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The scribes and the Pharisees have the authority of Moses;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

saying, `On the seat of Moses sat down the scribes and the Pharisees;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

saying, The scribes and the Pharisees have set themselves down in Moses' seat:

Context

Following the introduction of His audience, Jesus immediately addresses the religious authority of the scribes and Pharisees. This verse explains *why* the people should listen to their teachings (because they sit in Moses' seat), before the next verse clarifies *how* they should listen (following their words, not their example). This distinction is vital for understanding Jesus' nuanced critique that follows, recognizing the office but condemning the abuse of it.

v.1Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples,

v.2This passage

v.3all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 20:46

    Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love salutations in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and chief places at feasts;

  • 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,

  • Nehemiah 8:4

    And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of Jehovah of hosts.

  • Ezra 7:25

    And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God that is in thy hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people that are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye him that knoweth them not.

  • Ezra 7:6

    this Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Jehovah his God upon him.

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