Matthew 23:4

KJV

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay [them] on men's shoulders; but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} they bind {G1195} heavy {G926} burdens {G5413} and {G2532} grievous to be borne {G1419}, and {G2532} lay {G2007} them on {G1909} men's {G444} shoulders {G5606}; but {G1161} they themselves will {G2309} not {G3756} move {G2795} them {G846} with one of their {G846} fingers {G1147}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They tie heavy loads onto people's shoulders but won't lift a finger to help carry them

Berean Standard Bible

They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

American Standard Version

Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:4, Jesus delivers a searing indictment against the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their profound hypocrisy. He condemns them for imposing an unbearable system of religious regulations and extra-biblical traditions upon the common people, burdens that were "heavy and grievous to be borne," while they themselves refused to offer any practical assistance or even lift a finger to alleviate the very loads they had created. This verse highlights a critical failure of spiritual leadership, where authority is used for oppression rather than for nurturing and support.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Jesus' final and most extensive public denunciation of the Jewish religious leadership in Jerusalem, recorded in [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus' Woes Against the Scribes and Pharisees"). Following His triumphal entry and intense debates in the temple courts, Jesus shifts from direct confrontation with His adversaries to a public warning to His disciples and the crowds about the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. This chapter serves as a climactic exposé of their spiritual bankruptcy, immediately preceding His Olivet Discourse and the events of His passion. Verse 4 sets the stage by illustrating the oppressive nature of their teaching and practice, laying the groundwork for the "seven woes" that follow, which systematically dismantle their outward piety and reveal their inner corruption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scribes and Pharisees were the dominant religious authorities in first-century Judaism, revered by the populace as interpreters and guardians of the Mosaic Law. While the Mosaic Law itself was divine, these leaders had developed an elaborate system of oral traditions (Halakha) and interpretations, intended to build a "fence around the Law" to prevent its transgression. Over centuries, these man-made rules multiplied, becoming incredibly complex and burdensome. They covered every aspect of daily life, from Sabbath observance to tithing and ritual purity, often elevating human traditions above the spirit and intent of God's commandments. The "burdens" Jesus speaks of were not the divine Law, which is "holy, righteous, and good" ([Romans 7:12](/romans/7-12 "Romans 7:12 - The Law is Holy")), but rather the oppressive weight of their meticulous, legalistic, and often arbitrary interpretations and additions, which created an impossible standard of righteousness for the average person.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 23:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent theme is **Hypocrisy**, as Jesus starkly contrasts the leaders' outward show of piety with their inward corruption and lack of genuine compassion. They were masters of appearance but devoid of true righteousness, embodying the warning found in [Matthew 6:1-6](/matthew/6-1-6 "Matthew 6:1-6 - True Righteousness vs. Hypocrisy"). This verse also highlights the tension between **Legalism and Grace**. The Pharisees' system was one of earning salvation through meticulous adherence to a myriad of rules, a system that crushed the spirit and obscured God's true desire for mercy and justice. In stark contrast, Jesus offers a liberating alternative, inviting the weary and burdened to find rest in Him, declaring that [His yoke is easy and His burden is light](/matthew/11-30 "Matthew 11:30 - Christ's Easy Yoke"). Furthermore, the passage serves as a severe critique of **Burdensome Leadership**. True spiritual leadership, exemplified by Christ, is characterized by service, empathy, and a desire to lighten people's loads, not to add to them. This condemnation is part of Jesus' broader denunciation of their spiritual malpractice, as seen throughout [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Jesus' Woes Against the Pharisees"), where He exposes their self-serving motives and spiritual blindness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bind (Greek, _desmeúō'_):** From G1195, meaning "to be a binder (captor), i.e. to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)." This word vividly portrays the act of imposing or fastening something heavy onto another. In this context, it signifies the religious leaders' active role in creating and enforcing oppressive rules, effectively "tying" them onto the people, much like a burden is tied onto an animal. It suggests a deliberate, authoritative act of imposition.
* **heavy (Greek, _barýs'_):** From G926, meaning "weighty, i.e. (fig) burdensome, grave." This adjective emphasizes the sheer weight and oppressive nature of the burdens. It's not just a load, but one that is difficult to carry, highlighting the severe practical and spiritual strain these regulations placed on individuals.
* **burdens (Greek, _phortíon'_):** From G5413, a diminutive of _phórtos_ (freight), meaning "an invoice (as part of freight), i.e. (figuratively) a task or service." While it can refer to a legitimate task, here, in conjunction with "heavy" and "grievous to be borne," it takes on the negative connotation of an oppressive load or obligation. These "burdens" were the numerous extra-biblical traditions and interpretations that the Pharisees added to the Mosaic Law.
* **grievous to be borne (Greek, _dysbástaktos'_):** From G1419, meaning "oppressive." This compound word, formed from _dys-_ (difficult, bad) and a derivative of _bastázō_ (to carry), literally means "difficult to carry" or "unbearable." It powerfully reinforces the idea that the burdens imposed by the Pharisees were not merely heavy but practically impossible for the common person to bear, leading to spiritual exhaustion and despair.
* **will not move (Greek, _thélō ou kinéō'_):** A combination of G2309 (_thélō_, "to determine... to wish, i.e. be inclined to") and G3756 (_ou_, "not"), followed by G2795 (_kinéō_, "to stir, literally or figuratively, (re-)move(-r)"). This phrase expresses a deliberate and complete unwillingness to act. It's not that they *cannot* move the burdens, but that they *will not* even make the slightest effort, revealing a profound lack of empathy and a self-serving attitude.
* **fingers (Greek, _dáktylos'_):** From G1147, meaning "a finger." The image of not moving a burden with "one of their fingers" is a powerful idiom for exerting the absolute minimum effort. It underscores the Pharisees' complete detachment from the struggles of the people they burdened, highlighting their extreme hypocrisy and callousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne":** This clause describes the active imposition of an oppressive system. The "burdens" refer to the vast body of oral traditions and legalistic interpretations that the scribes and Pharisees had developed and enforced. These were not the divine commandments themselves, but human additions that, by their sheer volume and meticulous demands, became an unbearable weight, making true righteousness seem unattainable and crushing the spirit of the people.
* **"and lay [them] on men's shoulders":** This imagery vividly portrays the act of placing these oppressive requirements directly onto the common people. "Shoulders" are the primary means by which heavy loads are carried, emphasizing that the full weight of these man-made laws was borne by those seeking to live righteously under the Pharisees' authority. It speaks to the practical and spiritual oppression inflicted upon the populace.
* **"but they [themselves] will not move them with one of their fingers":** This is the stinging indictment of hypocrisy. While they were quick to impose these impossible standards, the religious leaders themselves were utterly unwilling to offer any practical help, support, or even the slightest effort to alleviate the very burdens they had created. This phrase signifies their complete lack of empathy, their self-exemption from the rigors they imposed on others, and their profound spiritual detachment from the suffering of the people.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:4 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey Jesus' critique. **Metaphor** is central, with "heavy burdens and grievous to be borne" serving as a powerful representation of the oppressive, man-made religious regulations and traditions imposed by the scribes and Pharisees. These are not literal physical loads but spiritual and legalistic weights that crush the human spirit. The phrase "will not move them with one of their fingers" is a classic example of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. It underscores the extreme degree of their unwillingness to help, implying that they would not even exert the slightest effort to alleviate the burdens they themselves created. This hyperbole highlights their profound lack of empathy and their self-serving nature. Furthermore, the verse is steeped in **Irony**, as those who claimed to be the spiritual guides and upholders of God's law were, in fact, the ones making it impossible for others to live righteously, failing to embody the very compassion and justice that the Law, when rightly understood, intended.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly impacts our understanding of true righteousness, the nature of God's law, and the character of authentic spiritual leadership. The "heavy burdens" represent the human tendency to add to God's simple, life-giving commands, creating complex systems of rules that obscure the heart of faith, which is love for God and neighbor. Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees is a timeless warning against legalism—the belief that salvation or spiritual standing can be earned through strict adherence to external regulations rather than through genuine faith, repentance, and reliance on God's grace. It underscores that God desires mercy, not sacrifice, and that true religion is about transforming the heart, not merely conforming to outward rituals. This passage sets the stage for the New Covenant, where Christ Himself bears the ultimate burden of sin and offers a "light yoke" of grace and truth, liberating believers from the impossible demands of human-made religion.

* [Luke 11:46](/luke/11-46 "Luke 11:46 - Woes to Lawyers")
* [Acts 15:10](/acts/15-10 "Acts 15:10 - Peter on the Yoke of the Law")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Christian Liberty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:4 serves as a powerful mirror for both religious institutions and individual believers today. It compels us to critically examine any tendencies towards legalism, where human traditions or interpretations are elevated to the status of divine commands, thereby creating unnecessary and crushing burdens for others. We must be vigilant against the temptation to impose our own preferences, opinions, or extra-biblical rules on others, forgetting the liberating grace of the Gospel. For those in spiritual leadership, this verse is a stark reminder that true authority is expressed through humble service, empathy, and a genuine desire to lighten the loads of those under their care, rather than adding to them. Leaders are called to exemplify the very standards they preach, leading by example and offering practical support, not just demands. For all believers, it encourages a constant return to the simplicity and freedom found in Christ's easy yoke, trusting in His finished work rather than our own imperfect efforts to earn righteousness. It reminds us that our walk with God should be one of joy and freedom, not one of endless, unbearable obligations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my church community, inadvertently place "heavy burdens" on others, perhaps through unspoken expectations or unbiblical traditions?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of empathy and practical support for those who are struggling, rather than merely imposing expectations?**
* **Am I relying on external religious performance for my sense of righteousness, or am I finding my rest and freedom in Christ's finished work?**
* **What does "moving burdens with one of their fingers" look like in practical, compassionate Christian leadership today?**

### FAQ

**What are the "heavy burdens" Jesus refers to in Matthew 23:4?**

Answer: The "heavy burdens" Jesus refers to are not the divinely given Mosaic Law itself, which is holy and good, but rather the extensive body of oral traditions, interpretations, and extra-biblical regulations that the scribes and Pharisees had developed and imposed. These man-made rules, often called the "fence around the Law," became incredibly detailed and burdensome, covering every aspect of daily life. They added layers of meticulous observance that went far beyond the spirit and intent of God's original commandments, creating an impossible standard of righteousness for the common people and obscuring the true path to God. Jesus later clarifies that the essence of the Law is to [love God and love your neighbor](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment"), a stark contrast to the legalistic system of the Pharisees.

**Does this verse condemn all religious rules or traditions?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all religious rules or traditions outright. Instead, it condemns the *spirit* in which they are created and enforced, particularly when they become oppressive, self-serving, and are not accompanied by empathy or practical help. Jesus Himself observed many Jewish traditions. The issue here is when human traditions are elevated above God's commands, become a means of control, or are used to justify hypocrisy. The problem arises when such rules become "heavy burdens" that obscure God's grace and make the spiritual life an unbearable task, rather than a joyful response to God's love. The focus is on the hypocrisy of those who impose such burdens while refusing to live by them or help others bear them.

**How does this verse relate to Christian leadership today?**

Answer: Matthew 23:4 serves as a timeless warning and guide for Christian leadership. It calls leaders to self-examination, ensuring they do not fall into the trap of hypocrisy. True spiritual leaders, following Christ's example, are called to be servants who lighten people's loads, not add to them. This means leading with compassion, empathy, and integrity, practicing what they preach, and providing practical support and grace to those they lead. It cautions against legalism, the imposition of unnecessary rules, or creating an environment where people feel crushed by impossible expectations rather than liberated by the grace of God. Leaders should always point people to the [easy yoke and light burden of Christ](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary"), not to their own burdensome systems.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 23:4, while a scathing indictment of the Pharisees' legalism, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The "heavy burdens" imposed by the religious leaders stand in stark contrast to the liberating invitation of Christ, who declares, "[Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")" (Matthew 11:28-30). Jesus is the ultimate burden-bearer, not one who imposes them. He did not come to add to the Law, but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), living out its true intent of love and mercy perfectly. Unlike the Pharisees who would not lift a finger, Christ bore the ultimate burden of humanity's sin on the cross, becoming a curse for us to redeem us from the curse of the Law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). He is our sympathetic High Priest who can empathize with our weaknesses ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our Sympathetic High Priest")), offering grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")) rather than oppressive regulations. In Christ, the impossible burdens of earning righteousness are lifted, replaced by the freedom and rest found in His finished work and the indwelling Spirit.

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 11:46

And he said, Woe unto you also, [ye] lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

Acts 15:10

Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Galatians 6:13

For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

Matthew 11:28

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:30

For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 23:23

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.

Acts 15:28

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;