Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:5

What does Matthew 23:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:5 means

Jesus reveals that the scribes and Pharisees perform their religious acts primarily to gain human recognition and praise. They deliberately exaggerate religious symbols like phylacteries (small boxes containing scripture worn during prayer) and enlarge the fringes (borders) of their garments, as commanded in the Law, but they do so for outward show, not inward devotion. This practice exposes their motivation as pride and a desire for public acclaim, rather than genuine piety or a sincere heart before God.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But all their works they do so as to be seen by men: for they make wide their phylacteries, and the edges of their robes,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And all their works they do to be seen by men, and they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the fringes of their garments,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And all their works they do for to be seen of men. For they make their phylacteries broad and enlarge their fringes.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders [of their garments],

Context

Following the general description of their burdensome practices without personal involvement, this verse delves into specific, visible examples of their hypocrisy. It details *how* their "works" are done to be seen by men, using their phylacteries and garment borders as key illustrations. This moves from the general to the particular, setting the stage for even more examples of their love for public honor and recognition in the subsequent verses.

v.4Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.

v.5This passage

v.6and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Cross references

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

  • Numbers 15:38

    Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of each border a cord of blue:

  • Matthew 6:1

    Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.

  • Proverbs 6:21

    Bind them continually upon thy heart; Tie them about thy neck.

  • 2 Kings 10:16

    And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for Jehovah. So they made him ride in his chariot.

  • Deuteronomy 6:8

    And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes.

  • Luke 20:47

    who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayers: these shall receive greater condemnation.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 23

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 23.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 23:5.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary