Matthew 23:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} spake {G2980} Jesus {G2424} to the multitude {G3793}, and {G2532} to his {G846} disciples {G3101},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Yeshua addressed the crowds and his talmidim:

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples:

American Standard Version

Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, meticulously setting the stage for Jesus' most profound and scathing public discourse against the religious leadership of His day. It precisely identifies His dual audience—the general populace and His committed disciples—underscoring the universal and specific relevance of the solemn truths He is about to proclaim concerning hypocrisy, spiritual authority, and true righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a series of intense confrontations in [Matthew 21-22](/matthew/21-22 "Matthew 21-22 - Jesus' Authority Challenged"). Jesus has just silenced the chief priests and elders (challenging His authority), the Pharisees (questioning tribute to Caesar), and the Sadducees (challenging the resurrection). Having masterfully navigated these theological traps and demonstrated His supreme wisdom, Jesus now shifts from defensive answers to a proactive, authoritative declaration. The ensuing discourse in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees") is a direct and severe indictment of the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and misguidance. Verse 1 thus acts as a crucial narrative hinge, signaling a transition from debate to denunciation, from private instruction to public warning.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Jerusalem, likely within the temple precincts, during the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, just days before His crucifixion. The "multitude" (Greek: _ochlos_) would have comprised pilgrims gathered for Passover, as well as local residents, many of whom had witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard His teachings. The scribes and Pharisees were the dominant religious authorities of the time, revered by the people for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. However, Jesus consistently challenged their outward religiosity that often lacked inward transformation (e.g., [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Teaching on True Righteousness")). Addressing both the general public and His disciples in this public forum was significant: it served to warn the people against following blind guides, while simultaneously instructing His followers on the nature of true spiritual leadership and discipleship, in stark contrast to the prevailing models.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 23:1 introduces several key themes that permeate the chapter and resonate throughout the Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' Unquestionable Authority** as the ultimate teacher and interpreter of God's will, a theme powerfully established in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount") and reaffirmed by the people's astonishment at His teaching in [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Discernment of True vs. False Leadership**, preparing the audience for Jesus' detailed critique of the Pharisees' failure to practice what they preached, a warning echoed in [Matthew 15:1-9](/matthew/15-1-9 "Matthew 15:1-9 - Tradition vs. Commandment"). Lastly, it underscores the **Call to Authentic Discipleship**, implying that while the multitude might simply listen, the disciples are expected to internalize and embody the principles of humility and service that Jesus will soon contrast with the Pharisees' pride and self-exaltation (e.g., [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Greatness Through Service")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spake (Greek, _laléō'_):** From G2980, this verb signifies "to talk, i.e. utter words," and can also mean "preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, formal, and authoritative address rather than casual conversation. Jesus is not merely chatting; He is delivering a weighty and intentional message, emphasizing its importance and the speaker's authority.
* **multitude (Greek, _óchlos'_):** From G3793, this term refers to "a throng (as borne along); by implication, the rabble; by extension, a class of people." It describes the general public, the common people who followed Jesus, often drawn by His miracles and teachings, but not necessarily committed followers. Their inclusion highlights the public nature and universal relevance of Jesus' forthcoming warnings.
* **disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From G3101, meaning "a learner, i.e. pupil." This word specifically refers to those who had committed themselves to learning from Jesus, following His teachings, and emulating His way of life. Their presence signifies that Jesus' message is not only a public warning but also a crucial lesson for those who genuinely seek to follow Him, preparing them to discern true spiritual leadership and avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Then spake Jesus":** The adverb "Then" (Greek: _tóte_, G5119) indicates a temporal and logical progression, marking a significant shift in Jesus' ministry from answering challenges to delivering a direct, public, and severe denunciation. It signals the immediate aftermath of His triumphs in debate, setting the stage for His authoritative pronouncement. The subject, "Jesus," emphasizes that the following words carry the weight of divine authority, coming from the Son of God Himself.
* **"to the multitude":** This phrase identifies the first, broader segment of Jesus' audience. The "multitude" represents the general public, the common people who were present in the temple area. Jesus' decision to address them publicly underscores the universal importance of His message, particularly as it pertains to warning them against the misleading influence of the religious leaders. It implies a pastoral concern for those who might be led astray.
* **"and to his disciples":** This phrase introduces the second, more specific segment of Jesus' audience. "His disciples" were those who had committed to following Jesus, learning from Him, and embodying His teachings. Their inclusion indicates that the ensuing discourse, while a public warning, also contained vital lessons specifically for those who would carry on His ministry. It was a lesson in discerning true righteousness, avoiding hypocrisy, and understanding the nature of authentic spiritual leadership from the perspective of those who are called to embody it.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:1 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Audience Segmentation** is prominent, as Jesus deliberately addresses two distinct groups: the general "multitude" and "his disciples." This highlights the dual purpose of His message—a public warning for all to hear and a specific instruction for His followers. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, as this simple introduction sets a solemn tone, signaling that the discourse to follow will be weighty and critical, moving beyond parables or general teachings to direct confrontation. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Juxtaposition** implied by the presence of both groups. The "multitude" represents those who might be swayed by outward appearances, while the "disciples" are those called to deeper, inward transformation, creating a dynamic tension that the subsequent woes will explore.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:1, by clearly defining Jesus' audience, underscores His unique role as the ultimate divine teacher and the authoritative revealer of God's truth. His address to both the general public and His inner circle highlights the comprehensive nature of His ministry: to warn the unwary, to guide the seeking, and to equip those called to lead. The verse implicitly sets up the contrast between the flawed, self-serving leadership of the scribes and Pharisees, and the humble, servant-hearted leadership exemplified by Jesus and expected of His true followers. It emphasizes the critical importance of discerning authentic spiritual authority from mere outward religious display, a theme central to the New Testament's call for genuine faith over superficial religiosity.

* [Matthew 6:5](/matthew/6-5 "Matthew 6:5 - Warning Against Hypocrisy in Prayer")
* [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Luke 12:1](/luke/12-1 "Luke 12:1 - Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:1 invites us to consider our own position as listeners to Jesus' words. Are we part of the "multitude," casually observing and perhaps intrigued, or are we among "his disciples," committed to actively learning, internalizing, and applying His teachings? This verse challenges us to recognize Jesus' supreme authority in all matters of faith and life, understanding that His words are not merely historical accounts but living truths relevant for every generation. It calls us to a posture of humble receptivity, discerning between genuine spiritual leadership that points to Christ and any form of religious pretense that prioritizes outward show over inward transformation. Just as Jesus prepared His followers for the challenges of false teaching, we too are called to be vigilant, ensuring that our faith is rooted in authentic devotion rather than superficial adherence to rules or traditions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I tend to act more like the "multitude" (casual observer) than a "discipled" (committed learner) in my faith journey?**
* **How does Jesus' decision to speak to both groups simultaneously inform my understanding of the universal and personal relevance of His teachings?**
* **What specific areas of my life might reflect outward religious practice without corresponding inward heart transformation, as warned against in the subsequent discourse?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus address both the "multitude" and "his disciples" at the same time?**

Answer: Jesus addressed both groups simultaneously to serve a dual purpose. For the "multitude," it was a public warning against the hypocrisy and misguidance of the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees), whom they typically revered. This protected the common people from being led astray by those who taught correctly but lived inconsistently. For "his disciples," it was a crucial lesson in discerning true spiritual leadership and avoiding the pitfalls of pride, self-righteousness, and external religiosity without internal devotion. It prepared them for their future roles as leaders and teachers, emphasizing the importance of humble service and authentic faith, in stark contrast to the examples Jesus was about to condemn. This dual address underscored the universal applicability of His message, while also providing specific instruction for those committed to following Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:1 subtly yet profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate and true Teacher, fulfilling the prophetic expectation of a prophet like Moses (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")). In contrast to the scribes and Pharisees who sat "in Moses' seat" but failed to embody the spirit of the Law, Jesus speaks with inherent divine authority, not derived from tradition or human appointment, but from His very being as the Son of God (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God, Except the Son")). His address to both the multitude and His disciples signifies His universal call to all humanity to hear and obey His voice, for He is the embodiment of truth and grace (cf. [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). The subsequent discourse, exposing the spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, further highlights Jesus as the true light of the world, who alone can guide humanity out of darkness (cf. [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). Ultimately, this introductory verse sets the stage for Jesus to reveal Himself as the one who not only teaches the perfect will of God but also perfectly lives it out, offering Himself as the Lamb of God to atone for the very sins of hypocrisy and rebellion He condemns, thereby establishing the path to true righteousness through faith in Him (cf. [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:10

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

Matthew 15:20

These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Luke 20:45

Then in the audience of all the people he said unto his disciples,

Luke 20:46

Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode 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

Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

Mark 7:14

And when he had called all the people [unto him], he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one [of you], and understand: