All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
All {G3956} therefore {G3767} whatsoever {G302}{G3745} they bid {G2036} you {G5213} observe {G5083}, that observe {G5083} and {G2532} do {G4160}; but {G1161} do {G4160} not {G3361} ye after {G2596} their {G846} works {G2041}: for {G1063} they say {G3004}, and {G2532} do {G4160} not {G3756}.
So whatever they tell you, take care to do it. But don't do what they do, because they talk but don't act!
So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.
-
2 Timothy 3:5
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. -
Romans 2:19
And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, -
Romans 2:24
For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. -
Titus 1:16
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. -
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. -
Psalms 50:16
¶ But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or [that] thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? -
Psalms 50:20
Thou sittest [and] speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
Context
Matthew 23:3 is part of Jesus' severe denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees, delivered to the crowds and His disciples in Jerusalem. Preceding this verse, Jesus acknowledges their legitimate, albeit self-appointed, authority by stating they "sit in Moses' seat" (Matthew 23:2). This position implied they were the authoritative interpreters of the Law of Moses. Jesus' instruction here is a critical distinction: listen to their accurate interpretations of the Law, but do not emulate their unrighteous conduct.
Key Themes
This verse highlights several profound themes:
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "Moses' seat" (Greek: kathedras Mouseos) is not a literal chair, but a metaphorical expression signifying the authoritative position of teaching and interpreting the Law of Moses. It implies a recognized, though often self-proclaimed, spiritual authority. Jesus acknowledges this position but immediately exposes the moral bankruptcy of those occupying it. The emphasis on 'they say, and do not' powerfully conveys their lack of integrity, highlighting the chasm between their verbal pronouncements and their practical living.
Practical Application
Matthew 23:3 remains highly relevant for believers today: