Matthew 23:23

KJV

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

KJV (with Strong's)

Woe {G3759} unto you {G5213}, scribes {G1122} and {G2532} Pharisees {G5330}, hypocrites {G5273}! for {G3754} ye pay tithe {G586} of mint {G2238} and {G2532} anise {G432} and {G2532} cummin {G2951}, and {G2532} have omitted {G863} the weightier {G926} matters of the law {G3551}, judgment {G2920},{G2532} mercy {G1656}, and {G2532} faith {G4102}: these {G5023} ought ye {G1163} to have done {G4160}, and not {G3361} to leave {G863} the other {G2548} undone {G863}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Woe to you hypocritical Torah-teachers and P'rushim! You pay your tithes of mint, dill and cumin; but you have neglected the weightier matters of the Torah -- justice, mercy, trust. These are the things you should have attended to -- without neglecting the others!

Berean Standard Bible

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

American Standard Version

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this poignant denunciation, Jesus issues a "woe" to the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their profound hypocrisy. While meticulously observing the minor stipulations of the Mosaic Law, such as tithing even the smallest garden herbs like mint, anise, and cummin, they flagrantly neglected the foundational and more significant principles of God's law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus asserts that both aspects of obedience are important, but the weightier matters are paramount and should never be overlooked in favor of lesser observances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 23 stands as a climactic and severe indictment of the religious leadership of Israel, immediately preceding Jesus's final Passion Week narratives. This chapter is a series of "woes" (seven in total, mirroring the seven Beatitudes), where Jesus systematically exposes the spiritual bankruptcy, pride, and hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. It follows Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the temple, setting the stage for His ultimate confrontation with the authorities who would orchestrate His crucifixion. The "woes" serve as a stark contrast to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught the true spirit of the Law; here, He condemns those who perverted it. This particular woe, [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Hypocrites"), directly addresses their distorted priorities in legal observance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes were experts in the Mosaic Law, responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching it. The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law, both written and oral traditions. They sought to live lives of ritual purity and meticulous obedience, often setting themselves apart from common people. Tithing was a fundamental requirement under the Mosaic Law, intended to support the Levites and the temple (e.g., [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - Tithing Ordinance")). However, the Pharisees extended this practice to the smallest of garden herbs, far beyond what was explicitly commanded in the Torah, demonstrating an extreme form of legalism. This meticulousness, while seemingly pious, became a means of self-righteous display, overshadowing the true heart of God's commands.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Hypocrisy Exposed**, as Jesus repeatedly unmasks the outward religiosity that masks an unrighteous heart, a theme also evident in [Matthew 6:1-18](/matthew/6-1-18 "Matthew 6:1-18 - True Righteousness vs. Hypocrisy") regarding almsgiving, prayer, and fasting. Another crucial theme is **Priorities in God's Law**, where Jesus clarifies that not all commands carry equal weight; some principles, like justice, mercy, and faith, are foundational and reflect God's character more directly than ceremonial observances. This aligns with the "greatest commandments" to [love God and neighbor](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Essence of True Righteousness**, emphasizing that genuine obedience stems from an internal transformation that produces virtues like justice, mercy, and faithfulness, rather than mere external conformity to rules.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woe (Greek, _ouaí_):** This powerful exclamation is more than a lament; it is a pronouncement of grief, sorrow, and often, impending judgment or condemnation. Used frequently by prophets in the Old Testament, its appearance here underscores the severe spiritual danger the scribes and Pharisees faced due to their actions and attitudes. It signals a divine verdict against their hypocrisy.
* **hypocrites (Greek, _hypokritḗs_):** Derived from the Greek word for an actor or stage-player, one who wears a mask, this term vividly describes individuals who present a false public persona that conceals their true character or motives. Jesus uses it to expose the scribes and Pharisees as those whose outward religious performance (like meticulous tithing) was a deceptive facade, concealing a heart devoid of genuine righteousness, compassion, or integrity before God.
* **weightier (Greek, _barýs_):** This adjective literally means "heavy" or "burdensome" and, in this context, signifies "more important," "more serious," or "more grave." Jesus uses it to highlight the qualitative difference between the minor ceremonial requirements (like tithing herbs) and the foundational moral and spiritual principles of the Law (judgment, mercy, and faith). He asserts that these latter matters carry significantly greater moral and theological gravity in God's eyes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!":** Jesus initiates His condemnation with a solemn and severe pronouncement. The "woe" is directed specifically at the scribes (legal experts) and Pharisees (religious sect known for strict observance), identifying them as "hypocrites." This opening immediately sets a tone of judgment, exposing their pretense and lack of authenticity in their religious practice.
* **"for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin,":** This clause details the meticulous, even excessive, nature of their outward religious observance. Mint, anise (dill), and cummin were small, common garden herbs, not typically considered significant agricultural produce. Their scrupulous tithing of these minute items demonstrates their extreme adherence to the letter of the law, even beyond its practical intent, showcasing a superficial piety.
* **"and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:":** Here, Jesus reveals the core of their spiritual failure. Despite their outward precision, they had neglected, or "omitted," the most crucial aspects of God's Law. The "weightier matters" are explicitly named as "judgment" (justice or righteousness in dealings), "mercy" (compassion and kindness towards others), and "faith" (faithfulness, loyalty, and integrity towards God and fellow humans). These virtues represent the moral and relational essence of the Law, reflecting God's own character.
* **"these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.":** Jesus concludes with a clarifying statement. He is not condemning tithing itself (which was a legitimate practice) but rather the distorted priorities. He affirms that the weightier matters *must* be done, indicating their absolute necessity. Simultaneously, He notes that the lesser matters (like tithing herbs) should *not* be left undone, implying that all of God's commands have their place, but never at the expense of the more fundamental principles. This calls for a balanced and holistic obedience rooted in right priorities.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey Jesus's message. The repeated "Woe unto you" throughout [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees") functions as **Anaphora**, creating a rhythmic and emphatic condemnation that highlights the severity of their spiritual condition. **Juxtaposition** is central to the verse's impact, sharply contrasting the Pharisees' meticulous tithing of insignificant herbs ("mint and anise and cummin") with their egregious neglect of fundamental moral virtues ("judgment, mercy, and faith"). This contrast underscores their distorted priorities and the emptiness of their outward religiosity. The phrase "weightier matters" serves as a **Metaphor**, representing the profound moral and spiritual principles of God's law that carry greater significance than ceremonial observances. While not strictly hyperbole, the emphasis on tithing tiny herbs can be seen as an **Exaggeration** of their legalistic tendencies, making their hypocrisy even more glaring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:23 profoundly articulates the essence of true righteousness, moving beyond mere external conformity to the spirit of the Law. It teaches that God values a heart transformed by justice, mercy, and faithfulness far more than ritualistic precision. This verse resonates deeply with the Old Testament prophetic tradition, which consistently called for inward integrity and ethical living over empty religious observance. It underscores that genuine piety is not measured by outward displays but by the character of God reflected in one's actions and relationships. The "weightier matters" are not just suggestions but fundamental attributes of a life pleasing to God, without which religious practice becomes a hollow shell.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"): "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice"): "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"): "And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This timeless warning from Jesus challenges us to critically examine the priorities in our own spiritual lives. It's easy to fall into the trap of focusing on visible, often less significant, religious activities while neglecting the deeper, more demanding call to cultivate a righteous character. Are we meticulous about church attendance, giving, or specific spiritual disciplines, yet overlook opportunities to extend mercy, pursue justice, or live with unwavering faithfulness in our daily interactions? True faith demands both outward obedience and inward transformation. We are called to embody the very character of God—His justice, His mercy, and His unwavering faithfulness—in all areas of our lives. This verse reminds us that while all of God's commands are important, our primary focus must always be on loving God and loving our neighbor, as these are the foundational expressions of a genuine relationship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mint and anise and cummin" might I be meticulously observing in my life, potentially at the expense of "weightier matters"?**
* **How can I intentionally cultivate "judgment (justice), mercy, and faith" in my daily interactions and decisions?**
* **Am I more concerned with the appearance of piety or with genuine heart transformation before God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to re-evaluate my spiritual priorities to align them more closely with God's heart?**

### FAQ
**What does Jesus mean by "judgment, mercy, and faith"?**

Answer: These three terms represent the core moral and relational principles that Jesus identifies as the "weightier matters" of the Law, in contrast to the ceremonial or ritualistic aspects. "Judgment" (or justice) refers to acting rightly and fairly, upholding what is just and equitable, especially for the vulnerable. "Mercy" (or compassion) signifies active kindness, empathy, and forgiveness towards others, reflecting God's own compassionate nature. "Faith" (or faithfulness) denotes loyalty, trustworthiness, and integrity in one's relationship with God and fellow humans. These are not merely suggestions but fundamental virtues that define true righteousness and reflect the very character of God, as highlighted throughout the Old Testament prophets (e.g., [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:23 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the "weightier matters of the law." Unlike the Pharisees, Jesus did not merely teach about justice, mercy, and faith; He lived them out flawlessly. His entire ministry was an outpouring of mercy to the sick, the marginalized, and the sinful, as seen in countless healing narratives and His compassion for the crowds ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). He consistently upheld divine justice, confronting sin and hypocrisy, yet always with an invitation to repentance and grace. His faithfulness to God the Father was absolute, culminating in His obedience unto death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Jesus Himself declared that He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), demonstrating that true fulfillment of the Law is found in embodying its spirit—love for God and neighbor—rather than merely adhering to its letter. His life and sacrifice are the ultimate expression of the judgment, mercy, and faith that the Law truly demanded, offering a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees ([Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")).

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 11:42

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Hosea 6:6

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9:13

But go ye and learn what [that] meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:20

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed [the righteousness] of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.