Matthew 23:4

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 11:46 (12 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (7 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Matthew 11:30 (4 votes)

    For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
  • Matthew 23:23 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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