Matthew 23:3

KJV

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, [that] observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So whatever they tell you, take care to do it. But don't do what they do, because they talk but don't act!

Berean Standard Bible

So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

American Standard Version

all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 23:3 encapsulates Jesus' nuanced instruction regarding the religious leaders of His day: the Scribes and Pharisees. While acknowledging their authoritative position as interpreters of the Mosaic Law, Jesus issues a sharp warning against emulating their hypocritical conduct. He commands His disciples and the crowds to observe and practice the righteous teachings that align with God's Word, but explicitly forbids them from imitating the leaders' actions, which contradict their own spoken words, exposing a profound disconnect between their profession and practice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Jesus' final and most severe public denunciation of the Scribes and Pharisees, delivered in the Temple courts during His last week in Jerusalem. The preceding verse, [Matthew 23:2](/matthew/23-2 "Matthew 23:2 - The Scribes and Pharisees in Moses' Seat"), establishes the basis for their authority, stating they "sit in Moses' seat." This phrase indicates their recognized role as authoritative interpreters and teachers of the Law. Jesus' instruction in [Matthew 23:3](/matthew/23-3 "Matthew 23:3 - Do as they say, not as they do") immediately follows, setting the stage for the subsequent woes and critiques that highlight their hypocrisy, self-exaltation, and legalistic burdens, culminating in a lament over Jerusalem's rejection of God's messengers in [Matthew 23:37-39](/matthew/23-37-39 "Matthew 23:37-39 - Jesus' Lament over Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Moses' seat" (Greek: *kathedras Mouseos*) was not a literal chair but a metaphorical representation of the authoritative teaching office concerning the Torah. Rabbis and Scribes would often teach from a raised platform or designated place in the synagogue, signifying their role as authoritative interpreters of the Law. The Scribes were experts in the Law, responsible for its copying and interpretation, while the Pharisees were a prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law, both written and oral. By Jesus' time, they had accumulated numerous extra-biblical traditions, often elevating them to the same level as the Law itself. Their public piety, including long prayers and elaborate fasting, was often performed for human recognition, a practice Jesus consistently condemned, as seen in [Matthew 6](/matthew/6 "Matthew 6 - On True Righteousness").
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees") powerfully articulates several core themes. Foremost is the **peril of hypocrisy**, as Jesus exposes the profound disconnect between the Scribes' and Pharisees' outward religious performance and their inner spiritual emptiness. Their 'saying but not doing' is the central indictment. This passage also emphasizes the **importance of authentic righteousness**, contrasting external observance with the internal transformation that God truly desires, a theme pervasive throughout Jesus' teachings, particularly in the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5-7 - The Sermon on the Mount"). Furthermore, it highlights the **responsibility of spiritual leadership**, serving as a timeless warning against those who would use their position for self-exaltation rather than genuine service, echoing the call for humble service found in [Matthew 20:25-28](/matthew/20-25-28 "Matthew 20:25-28 - Servant Leadership").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bid (Greek, _épō_):** A primary verb meaning "to speak or say (by word or writing)." In this context, it refers to the authoritative pronouncements and teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees regarding the Law. Jesus acknowledges their verbal instruction, distinguishing it from their actions.
* **observe (Greek, _tēréō_):** From a root meaning "a watch," this verb signifies "to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon)." Here, it means to carefully heed, keep, or fulfill a command or teaching. Jesus instructs His listeners to diligently keep the teachings that are consistent with God's Law.
* **works (Greek, _érgon_):** From a primary root meaning "to work," this term refers to "toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act." In this verse, "works" denotes the deeds, actions, and practical conduct of the Scribes and Pharisees, which Jesus condemns as inconsistent with their teachings and with true righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do;":** Jesus instructs His listeners to obey the teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees when those teachings are consistent with the Law of Moses. The phrase "whatsoever they bid you observe" implies a selective obedience, not a blanket endorsement of everything they say, but specifically those instructions that align with the divine standard. The command to "observe and do" emphasizes both intellectual understanding and practical obedience to such righteous instruction.
* **"but do not ye after their works:":** This clause introduces a sharp contrast and a critical prohibition. While their legitimate teachings (when aligned with God's Law) are to be followed, their actual conduct and lifestyle are explicitly to be avoided. The preposition "after" (Greek: *katá*) here means "according to" or "in conformity with," underscoring that their actions should not serve as a model for emulation.
* **"for they say, and do not.":** This final clause provides the reason for Jesus' prohibition. It exposes the fundamental flaw of the Scribes and Pharisees: their profound hypocrisy. They articulate righteous principles and commands but fail to live by them. Their words are disconnected from their deeds, revealing an internal spiritual bankruptcy beneath an external facade of piety.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, or sharp contrast, seen in the juxtaposition of "observe and do" their teachings versus "do not ye after their works." This creates a clear dichotomy between precept and practice, highlighting the hypocrisy Jesus condemns. The phrase "they say, and do not" is a concise and potent example of **Paradox** and **Irony**, as it presents a seemingly contradictory state where those who claim to teach righteousness fail to embody it. This statement also functions as a form of **Aphorism**, a pithy observation that contains a general truth, succinctly capturing the essence of their moral failure. Furthermore, the entire statement serves as a **Chiasmus** in its underlying structure, where the command to obey their words is mirrored by the command *not* to obey their deeds, both predicated on the nature of their communication versus their action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 23:3 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of true spiritual authority and the dangers of religious hypocrisy. It underscores that while God can use imperfect vessels to transmit His truth, the validity of that truth is distinct from the integrity of the messenger. The passage highlights the critical importance of congruence between belief and behavior, emphasizing that outward religious observance without inward transformation is spiritually bankrupt. This principle resonates throughout Scripture, calling believers to an authentic faith that manifests in righteous living, not merely in verbal profession or ritualistic adherence. The warning against the Scribes and Pharisees is a timeless reminder that true piety is demonstrated not just by what one says, but by what one does.

* [Romans 2:21-23](/romans/2-21-23 "Romans 2:21-23 - You then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself?")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be doers of the word, and not hearers only")
* [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "1 John 3:18 - Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and in truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:3 calls us to profound introspection and discernment in our own lives and in our engagement with spiritual authority. It challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely a matter of intellectual assent or outward performance, or if it genuinely translates into a transformed life. We are reminded that true discipleship involves not just hearing God's Word, but actively living it out, allowing it to shape our character and actions. This verse also teaches us the importance of discerning truth from error, even when presented by those in esteemed positions. While we respect authority, our ultimate allegiance and standard for truth must always be God's unchanging Word. We are called to embrace authenticity, striving for integrity where our words and deeds align, reflecting the character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might there be a disconnect between what I say I believe and how I actually live?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to integrating my faith into my daily actions, moving beyond mere outward observance?**
* **How do I discern between legitimate teaching and hypocritical behavior in spiritual leaders, and how should I respond to each?**

### FAQ
**What does "Moses' seat" mean, and why is it significant here?**

Answer: "Moses' seat" (Greek: *kathedras Mouseos*) refers to the authoritative teaching office of Moses. It was a metaphorical expression, not a literal chair, signifying the recognized position of those who interpreted and taught the Law of Moses to the people. The significance in [Matthew 23:2-3](/matthew/23-2-3 "Matthew 23:2-3 - The Scribes and Pharisees in Moses' Seat") is that Jesus acknowledges the legitimate authority of the Scribes and Pharisees in this role, validating their function as interpreters of God's Law. However, He immediately follows this by condemning their personal conduct, drawing a critical distinction between the validity of the teaching office and the integrity of the individuals occupying it. This highlights that while the message (when aligned with God's truth) should be heeded, the messenger's flawed character should not be emulated.

**Is Jesus advocating for blind obedience to religious leaders?**

Answer: No, Jesus is explicitly *not* advocating for blind obedience. In [Matthew 23:3](/matthew/23-3 "Matthew 23:3 - Do as they say, not as they do"), He makes a crucial distinction: "All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works." This means His listeners should obey the teachings of the Scribes and Pharisees *only when those teachings align with God's Law*. The emphasis is on the *content* of the teaching, not on the character of the teacher. In fact, the very next part of the verse, "for they say, and do not," is a strong condemnation of their hypocrisy, warning against emulating their unrighteous behavior. This passage encourages discernment and adherence to divine truth, regardless of the messenger's personal failings, while simultaneously cautioning against imitating those failings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:3, with its stark contrast between saying and doing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antithesis in the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Scribes and Pharisees who "say, and do not," Jesus perfectly embodies the truth He proclaims. He is the living Word, whose every action and teaching are in complete harmony, demonstrating an unparalleled integrity. While the religious leaders burdened people with heavy loads and did not lift a finger to help, as described in [Matthew 23:4](/matthew/23-4 "Matthew 23:4 - Heavy Burdens"), Jesus offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light, inviting all who are weary to find rest in Him [Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Labor"). He did not merely teach about love, humility, and sacrifice; He *lived* them, culminating in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus' life is the perfect demonstration of divine truth in action, serving as the supreme model for authentic righteousness and integrity, a stark contrast to the hypocrisy He condemned, and the very standard by which all human leadership and discipleship are measured.

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

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.