Matthew 23:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying {G3004}, The scribes {G1122} and {G2532} the Pharisees {G5330} sit {G2523} in {G1909} Moses {G3475}' seat {G2515}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"The Torah-teachers and the P'rushim," he said, "sit in the seat of Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:2, Jesus initiates a profound discourse by acknowledging the established, legitimate authority of the scribes and Pharisees, who "sit in Moses' seat." This statement, while seemingly an endorsement of their position as interpreters and teachers of the Mosaic Law, serves as a crucial preface to Jesus' subsequent, scathing critique of their hypocrisy and failure to embody the very Law they professed to uphold. It sets the stage for a powerful lesson on the critical distinction between valid office and righteous conduct.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 23:2 marks the opening of Jesus' final and most extensive public discourse in the Gospel of Matthew, delivered in Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. This chapter immediately follows a series of intense confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders—Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians—in [Matthew 21](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21 - Jesus' Authority Challenged") and [Matthew 22](/matthew/22 "Matthew 22 - Parables and Debates"), where they repeatedly challenged His authority and sought to trap Him with questions. In this discourse, Jesus turns His attention from direct debate with them to addressing the crowds and His disciples, explaining the true nature of spiritual leadership and warning against the hypocrisy of those in power. By first acknowledging their positional authority, Jesus lends weight and legitimacy to His subsequent condemnation, demonstrating that His critique is not against the Law or the office itself, but against the unrighteous actions of its holders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "scribes" (Greek: _grammateús_) were highly educated Jewish scholars, experts in the Mosaic Law. They copied, preserved, and interpreted the Scriptures, often serving as legal advisors and judges. The "Pharisees" (Greek: _Pharisaîos_) were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their meticulous adherence to the written Law and their extensive oral traditions (which they believed were also divinely revealed to Moses and passed down). They were influential among the common people. The phrase "Moses' seat" (Greek: _kathédra Mōuseōs_) refers to a literal or metaphorical chair in synagogues from which the Law was read and expounded. It symbolized the legitimate, inherited authority to interpret and teach the Law of God, believed to be passed down directly from Moses himself. This concept underscored the continuity of divine revelation and the importance of respecting the teaching office.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that permeate Matthew 23 and the broader Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **acknowledged authority**, where Jesus recognizes the legitimate teaching office of the scribes and Pharisees, rooted in the tradition of Moses. Secondly, it subtly introduces the critical **distinction between office and character**, a theme that becomes explicit in [Matthew 23:3](/matthew/23-3 "Matthew 23:3 - Do What They Say, Not What They Do"), where Jesus instructs His followers to obey their teachings (which were based on the Law) but not to imitate their hypocritical actions. This sets up a profound critique of **hypocrisy and spiritual pride**, central to Jesus' warnings throughout the Gospel, particularly in passages like [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - Warnings Against Hypocrisy in Giving, Praying, and Fasting"). Finally, it underscores the theme of **true righteousness versus outward show**, contrasting the Pharisees' external displays of piety with their internal corruption, a contrast Jesus often drew, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Fulfillment of the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **scribes (Greek, _grammateús'_):** Derived from _gramma_ (a letter or writing), this term refers to a writer, specifically a professional scribe or secretary. In the context of ancient Israel, scribes were highly trained individuals who copied and interpreted the Mosaic Law. They were the legal experts and theological scholars of their day, often serving in judicial capacities and holding significant influence over the people's understanding of God's commands.
* **Pharisees (Greek, _Pharisaîos'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this term means "a separatist" or "exclusively religious." The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their zealous adherence to the Law and their oral traditions, which they considered equally binding. They sought to apply the Law meticulously to all areas of life, often emphasizing external purity and ritual observance.
* **sit (Greek, _kathízō'_):** This verb means "to seat down," "to set," or "to sit." In this context, it signifies occupying a position of authority or teaching. When someone "sits" in a particular seat, it implies they hold the office or function associated with that seat. Here, it denotes the scribes and Pharisees' legitimate occupation of the authoritative teaching role passed down from Moses.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Saying,"**: This serves as an introductory particle, indicating that what follows is a direct quotation of Jesus' words to the crowds and His disciples. It sets the stage for a significant teaching moment.
* **"The scribes and the Pharisees"**: Jesus explicitly names the primary religious authorities of His day. By grouping them, He addresses the dominant interpretive and teaching bodies responsible for guiding the Jewish people in the Law.
* **"sit in Moses' seat:"**: This is the core assertion of the verse. It acknowledges that these leaders legitimately occupy the authoritative position of interpreting and teaching the Law of Moses. This "seat" was a symbol of the authority to expound God's Word, implying a continuity of teaching from the great lawgiver himself. Jesus is not denying their positional authority but rather affirming it as a basis for His subsequent instruction and critique.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Symbolism** through the phrase "Moses' seat." This is not merely a literal piece of furniture but a potent symbol of legitimate, inherited teaching authority over the Mosaic Law. It represents the continuity of divine instruction from Moses to the current religious leaders. There is also an underlying **Irony** that becomes fully apparent in the subsequent verses of Matthew 23. While Jesus acknowledges their rightful position, the ensuing discourse reveals that those who occupy this esteemed seat have profoundly failed to embody the spirit of the Law they teach, demonstrating hypocrisy and self-serving ambition rather than true righteousness and humble service. This sets up a stark contrast between the outward form of authority and the inward spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:2 presents a foundational theological truth: the distinction between the validity of an office or position and the integrity of the individual holding it. Jesus affirms that the scribes and Pharisees hold a legitimate teaching authority, passed down through tradition, which means their pronouncements based on the Law are to be respected. However, this affirmation is immediately followed by a profound warning against their personal conduct, highlighting that positional authority does not equate to moral righteousness or spiritual authenticity. This teaches us that while we are called to respect established authority, our ultimate allegiance and emulation must be reserved for those whose lives genuinely reflect the truth they proclaim. It also underscores the immense responsibility that comes with spiritual leadership, where hypocrisy not only undermines the individual but also distorts the very truth they are called to transmit.

* [Deuteronomy 17:8-13](/deuteronomy/17-8-13 "Deuteronomy 17:8-13 - Authority of Judges and Priests")
* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 5:1-3](/1_peter/5-1-3 "1 Peter 5:1-3 - Shepherding the Flock of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:2 offers profound lessons for believers today, especially concerning how we view and engage with spiritual authority. It challenges us to cultivate a discerning spirit, recognizing that while we are called to respect the office and the sound teaching that flows from it, we must never blindly follow individuals whose lives contradict the very truths they proclaim. This verse implores us to prioritize the integrity of the message over the perfection of the messenger, yet simultaneously holds leaders to a higher standard of living consistently with their words. For those in positions of spiritual leadership, "sitting in Moses' seat" is a sober reminder of the immense responsibility to embody humility, service, and genuine righteousness, rather than succumbing to the temptations of pride, hypocrisy, and self-aggrandizement. It calls all of us to a rigorous self-examination, ensuring that our faith is not merely an outward show but a transformative reality that aligns our actions with our confession, reflecting the authentic character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I balance respect for established spiritual authority with the need for discernment regarding a leader's character and actions?**
* **In what ways might I, like the scribes and Pharisees, be prone to prioritizing outward appearance or positional authority over genuine inward transformation and humble service?**
* **What does "sitting in Moses' seat" mean for those in positions of teaching or leadership within the church today, and how can they avoid the pitfalls Jesus warns against?**

### FAQ
**What was "Moses' seat" literally, and was it a common feature in synagogues?**

Answer: "Moses' seat" (Greek: _kathédra Mōuseōs_) could refer to a literal stone chair found in some ancient synagogues, often prominently placed, from which the Law was read and expounded by the synagogue leader or a visiting rabbi. Archaeological evidence confirms the existence of such chairs in synagogues from the Roman and Byzantine periods, such as those found at Chorazin and Delos. However, it also functioned as a metaphorical expression, symbolizing the legitimate teaching authority concerning the Mosaic Law, representing a continuous line of interpretation and instruction believed to originate from Moses himself. Jesus' reference acknowledges this established tradition and the authority it conveyed.

**Did Jesus endorse the teachings of the scribes and Pharisees by saying they "sit in Moses' seat"?**

Answer: Jesus' statement in [Matthew 23:2](/matthew/23-2 "Matthew 23:2 - The Scribes and Pharisees Sit in Moses' Seat") is an acknowledgment of their *positional* authority, not necessarily an endorsement of all their specific interpretations or, crucially, their personal conduct. He recognized that they occupied the legitimate office of teaching the Law. Immediately in [Matthew 23:3](/matthew/23-3 "Matthew 23:3 - Do What They Say, Not What They Do"), Jesus clarifies His stance: "Therefore do whatever they tell you and observe it, but do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." This indicates that while their teachings, when aligned with the Law of Moses, were to be heeded, their hypocritical actions were to be rejected. Jesus' subsequent discourse in [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees") is a scathing indictment of their hypocrisy, pride, and legalism, demonstrating that He certainly did not endorse their overall spiritual state or their perversion of true righteousness.

**How is this verse relevant for understanding leadership and authority in the church today?**

Answer: Matthew 23:2-3 provides a critical framework for understanding spiritual leadership. It teaches that legitimate authority, even when divinely established or acknowledged, does not automatically guarantee the moral or spiritual integrity of the one holding it. For the church today, this means that while we are called to respect the offices of pastors, teachers, and elders, and to receive sound, biblically faithful teaching from them, we must also exercise discernment. It underscores the immense responsibility of those in leadership to live lives consistent with the Gospel they preach, serving as examples of humility and integrity, rather than becoming burdensome or hypocritical. It serves as a perennial warning against the dangers of institutional authority divorced from genuine Christ-like character and service, urging leaders to embrace the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Himself ([Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:2, by acknowledging the scribes and Pharisees' "seat" of authority, inadvertently highlights the profound contrast with Jesus Christ, the ultimate and true interpreter of God's Law. While they sat in Moses' seat, Jesus *is* the fulfillment of Moses and the Law. He is the [prophet like Moses](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses") whom God promised to raise up, speaking God's very words with unparalleled authority. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who merely expounded the Law, Jesus embodied it perfectly, living a life of flawless obedience that fulfilled every jot and tittle ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). His teaching was not based on inherited tradition or external position, but flowed from His intrinsic divine authority, as the crowds recognized, for He taught "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes" ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). The Pharisees burdened people with external rules, but Jesus offered true rest and a light burden ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). He is the true [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") who lays down His life for the sheep, in stark contrast to the self-serving leaders who "tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger" ([Matthew 23:4](/matthew/23-4 "Matthew 23:4 - Burdensome Rules")). Thus, "Moses' seat" points beyond itself to Christ, the one who truly mediates God's will and offers salvation not through legalistic adherence, but through grace and truth.

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

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;

Mark 12:38

And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and [love] salutations in the marketplaces,

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 the LORD of hosts.

Ezra 7:25

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that [is] in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that [are] beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know [them] not.

Ezra 7:6

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

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 Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.

Nehemiah 8:8

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.