Matthew 23

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:38

Your house. The temple or Jerusalem, no longer God's habitation. This betokens not only Christ's solemn departure from the sacred precincts; but the withdrawal of God's Spirit from the Jewish Church and nation. Unto you. Henceforward ye shall have it all to yourselves; my Father and I forsake it; we give it up altogether to you. Desolate . The word is omitted by some few uncials, but retained by א , C, D, etc., most cursives, the Vulgate, etc. The protecting wing is withdrawn, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:39

Ye shall not see me henceforth. Christ explains the denunciation just given. In a few days he will be separated from them by death and burial; and, though he appeared to certain chosen witnesses after his resurrection, he was seen no more by the people ( Acts 10:41 ); their house was deserted. Some take the word "see" in the sense of know, recognize; but it seems rather weak to say, "Ye shall not know me till ye acknowledge me as Messiah," as the knowing and acknowledging are practically... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:2

Scribes and Pharisees - See the notes at Matthew 3:7.Moses’ seat - Moses was the great legislator of the Jews. By him the Law was given. The office of explaining that Law among the Jews devolved on the scribes and Pharisees. In the synagogues they sat while expounding the Law, and rose when they read it. By “sitting in the seat of Moses” we are to understand authority to teach the Law; or, as he taught the nation by giving the Law, so they taught it by explaining it. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:3

All, therefore, whatsoever ... - That is, all that they teach that is consistent with the Law of Moses - all the commands of Moses which they read to you and properly explain. The word “all” could not be taken without such a restriction, for Christ himself accuses them of teaching many things contrary to that law, and of making it void by their traditions, Matthew 15:1-6.They say, and do not - The interpretation which they give to the law is in the main correct, but their lives do not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:4

They bind heavy burdens ... - This phrase is derived from the custom of loading animals. The load or burden is bound up and then laid on the beast. So the Pharisees appointed weighty burdens, or grievous and heavy precepts, and insisted that the people should obey them, though they lent no assistance. The “heavy burdens” refer not here to the traditions and foolish customs of the Pharisees, for Jesus would not command the people to observe them; but they clearly mean the ceremonies and rights... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:5

Their phylacteries - The word “phylactery” comes from a word signifying to keep, preserve, or guard. The name was given because phylacteries were worn as amulets or charms, and were supposed to defend or preserve those who wore them from evil. They were small slips of parchment or vellum, on which were written certain portions of the Old Testament. The practice of using phylacteries was founded on a literal interpretation of that passage where God commands the Hebrews to have the law as a sign... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:6

The uppermost rooms at feasts - The word “rooms,” here, by no means expresses the meaning of the original. It would be correctly rendered the uppermost “places or couches” at feasts. To understand this, it is necessary to remark that the custom among the Jews was not to eat sitting, as we do, but reclining on couches. The table was made by “three” tables, raised like ours and placed so as to form a square, with a clear space in the midst, and one end quite open. Around these tables were placed... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:7

Greetings in the markets - Markets were places where multitudes of people were assembled together. They were pleased with special attention in public places, and desired that all should show them particular respect.Greetings - Salutations. See the notes at Luke 10:4.To be called Rabbi, Rabbi - This word literally signifies great. It was a title given to eminent teachers of the law among the Jews; a title of honor and dignity, denoting authority and ability to teach. They were gratified with... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:8

Be not ye ... - Jesus forbade his disciples to seek such titles of distinction. The reason which he gave was that he was himself their Master and Teacher, They were on a level; they were to be equal in authority; they were brethren; and they should neither covet nor receive a title which implied either an elevation of one above another, or which appeared to infringe on the absolute right of the Saviour to be their only Teacher and Master. The direction here is an express command to his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:9

And call no man your Father ... - This does not, of course, forbid us to apply the term to our real father. Religion requires all proper honor to be shown to Him, Exodus 20:12; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:1-3. But the word “father” also denotes “authority, eminence, superiority, a right to command, and a claim to particular respect.” In this sense it is used here. In this sense it belongs eminently to God, and it is not right to give it to people. Christian brethren are equal. Only God has... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:38

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:39

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:2

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:7

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:9

Verse of the Day

Daily Devotional

Group of Brands