Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

But {G1161} all {G3956} their {G846} works {G2041} they do {G4160} for {G4314} to be seen {G2300} of men {G444}:{G1161} they make broad {G4115} their {G846} phylacteries {G5440}, and {G2532} enlarge {G3170} the borders {G2899} of their {G846} garments {G2440},

Everything they do is done to be seen by others; for they make their t'fillin broad and their tzitziyot long,

All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

In Matthew 23:5, Jesus sharply criticizes the religious leaders of His day—the scribes and Pharisees—for their hypocrisy. This verse is part of a broader discourse where Jesus exposes their flawed approach to faith, emphasizing that their actions are driven by a desire for human acclaim rather than genuine devotion to God.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus's warning to His disciples not to emulate the scribes and Pharisees, who "say, and do not" (Matthew 23:3). Jesus highlights specific practices that, while rooted in Old Testament commands, were being perverted for self-glorification:

  • Phylacteries: These were small leather boxes containing scrolls with specific Old Testament verses (from Exodus 13:9, 13:16, Deuteronomy 6:8, 11:18). Worn on the forehead and arm during prayer, they were meant to be a constant reminder of God's law. The problem wasn't wearing them, but making them "broad" (Greek: phylakteria, related to "safeguards" or "amulets") to conspicuously display their supposed piety and draw attention.
  • Borders of their garments: These refer to the tassels or fringes (Hebrew: tzitzit; Greek: kraspedon) commanded by God in Numbers 15:38-39 and Deuteronomy 22:12. They served as a visible reminder to obey God's commandments. Again, the issue was not the practice itself, but "enlarging" them to appear more righteous and draw attention to themselves as exceptionally devout.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy: The central theme is the stark contrast between outward religious performance and inward spiritual reality. Their actions were a show, lacking genuine devotion to God.
  • Seeking Human Approval: Jesus exposes their core motive: "all their works they do for to be seen of men." This desire for praise from others stands in direct opposition to seeking approval from God alone (John 5:44).
  • Outward Show vs. Inward Piety: The verse powerfully illustrates that true righteousness is not about external displays or religious rituals, but about the condition of the heart and genuine obedience to God (Matthew 15:8).
  • Spiritual Pride and Ostentation: Their actions stemmed from a desire to elevate themselves and be perceived as superior in piety, a form of spiritual pride that Jesus repeatedly condemned.

Practical Application

Matthew 23:5 serves as a timeless warning against performative faith. It challenges believers today to examine their motives in all religious activities:

  • Are our acts of worship, service, or generosity done to honor God, or to gain recognition and praise from others?
  • Do we prioritize genuine transformation of the heart and true spiritual growth over outward appearances of piety or religious conformity?
  • This verse reminds us that true spirituality is humble and seeks God's approval alone, not the applause of men. It encourages a focus on the secret place of devotion, where God sees and rewards (Matthew 6:4, 6:6, 6:18).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 6:1

    Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

  • Matthew 6:16

    Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

  • John 12:43

    For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

  • Philippians 2:3

    [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

  • Deuteronomy 6:8

    And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

  • Luke 16:15

    And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

  • John 5:44

    How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

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