Matthew 23:1

Seven Woes Pronounced on the Scribes and Pharisees

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,

Matthew 23:1 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 23:1

Then spake Jesus to the multitude
To the common people that were about him in the temple; the high priests and elders, Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees, having left him, being all nonplussed and silenced by him: and now, lest on the one hand, the people seeing the ignorance and errors of these men detected by Christ, should be tempted to conclude there was nothing in religion, and to neglect the word and worship of God, on account of the concern these men had in it; and on the other hand, because of their great authority and influence, being in Moses's chair, lest the people should be led into bad principles and practices by them, he directs them in what they should observe them, and in what not: that they were not altogether to be rejected, nor in everything to be attended to; and warns them against their ostentation, pride, hypocrisy, covetousness, and cruelty; and, at the same time, removes an objection against himself, proving that he was no enemy to Moses, and the law, rightly explained and practised:

and to his disciples;
not only the twelve, but to all that believed in him, and were followers of him.

Matthew 23:1 In-Context

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,

2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on the seat of Moses.

3 Therefore do and observe everything that they tell you, but do not do as {they do}, for they tell [others to do something] and do not do [it themselves].

4 And they tie up heavy burdens and put [them] on people's shoulders, but [they] themselves are not willing with their finger to move them

5 And they do all their deeds in order to be seen by people, for they make their phylacteries broad and make their tassels long.