Matthew 23:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:5

For to be seen of men. The second bad principle in their religion was ostentation and vanity. Acts done professedly in the honour of God were animated by self-seeking and ambition. They never penetrated beyond externalism. See this spirit reproved in the sermon on the mount ( Matthew 6:1 , Matthew 6:2 , etc.). "They loved the glory of men more than the glory of God" ( John 12:43 ). Christ then gives proofs of this spirit of ostentation in religion and in private life. Phylacteries ; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 23:5

The fascination of human praise. "All their works they do for to be seen of men." It is right for us to desire acceptance and favour with our fellow men. The desire for human praise is a proper incentive and inspiration, which no moralist can afford to underestimate. But in relation to it, we must apply the ever-working law of Christian moderation. The love of praise very readily becomes an absorbing mania, and, like all manias, it implies mental and moral deterioration. A man may come to... 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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Matthew 23:5-7

Matthew 23:5-7. All their works they do to be seen of men They have the praise of men in view in all their actions. Hence they are constant and abundant in those duties of religion which come under the observation of men; but with respect to those that are of a more spiritual nature, and lie between God and their own souls, or should be performed in the retirements of their closets, they desire to be excused. As the mere form of godliness will procure them a name to live, which is all they... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Matthew 23:1-39

129. More about scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23:1-39; Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)Instead of teaching only the law of Moses, the scribes and Pharisees added countless laws of their own. Instead of making the people’s load lighter, they made it heavier. People could profit from listening to the scribes’ teaching of Moses’ law, but they were not to copy the scribes’ behaviour (Matthew 23:1-4).Jesus gave two specific reasons for his condemnation of the scribes. First, they wanted to make a... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Matthew 23:5

for to be seen = to be gazed upon as a spectacle. Same word as "see" in Matthew 22:11 . for = for the purpose. Greek. pros. App-104 . phylacteries. Greek. phulakterion. Occ only here. See notes, &c, on Exodus 13:9 . Deuteronomy 6:8 . Reference to Pentateuch App-92 and App-117 . the borders = the fringes. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 15:37-41 .Deuteronomy 22:12; Deuteronomy 22:12 ). Originally a mark of separation between Israel and the surrounding nations. Compare Luke 8:44 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Matthew 23:5

But all their works they do to be seen of men: for they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments ...John A. Broadus, quoting Rabbinical writers, described the phylactery as follows:In Exodus 13:16; Deuteronomy 6:8 and Deuteronomy 11:18, it was said to Israel concerning the teachings of the law, that they should be bound, "for a token upon thy head, and for frontlets between thine eyes." In the inter-biblical period, we find the Jews converting this figure into... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 23:5-7

Matthew 23:5-7. All their works they do, &c.— "Any good action which they happen to perform, is vitiated by the principle from which it proceeds. They do it with a view to popular applause, and not from a regard to God, or from a love of goodness. They are proud and arrogant, as is plain from their affected gravity of dress, from the anxietywhich they discover to get the principal seats at feasts and all public meetings, as belonging to them on account of their superior worth, and from... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Matthew 23:5

5. But all their works they do for to be seen of men—Whatever good they do, or zeal they show, has but one motive—human applause. they make broad their phylacteries—strips of parchment with Scripture-texts on them, worn on the forehead, arm, and side, in time of prayer. and enlarge the borders of their garments—fringes of their upper garments ( :-). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Matthew 23:1-12

1. Jesus’ admonition of the multitudes and His disciples 23:1-12 (cf. Mark 12:38-39; Luke 20:45-46) read more

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