Matthew 23:5-15

5 They do everything so that people will see them. Look at the straps with scripture verses on them which they wear on their foreheads and arms, and notice how large they are! Notice also how long are the tassels on their cloaks! 1
6 They love the best places at feasts and the reserved seats in the synagogues;
7 they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to have people call them "Teacher.'
8 You must not be called "Teacher,' because you are all equal and have only one Teacher.
9 And you must not call anyone here on earth "Father,' because you have only the one Father in heaven.
10 Nor should you be called "Leader,' because your one and only leader is the Messiah.
11 The greatest one among you must be your servant. 2
12 Whoever makes himself great will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be made great. 3
13 "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You lock the door to the Kingdom of heaven in people's faces, but you yourselves don't go in, nor do you allow in those who are trying to enter!
15 "How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You sail the seas and cross whole countries to win one convert; and when you succeed, you make him twice as deserving of going to hell as you yourselves are!

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Cross References 3

  • 1. 23.5 aMatthew 6.1; bDeuteronomy 6.8; cNumbers 15.38.
  • 2. 23.11Matthew 20.26, 27;Mark 9.35; 10.43, 44;Luke 22.26.
  • 3. 23.12Luke 14.11; 18.14.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. tassels on their cloaks: [These tassels were worn as a sign of devotion to God (see Nu 15.37-41).]
  • [b]. [Some manuscripts add verse 14:] How terrible for you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You take advantage of widows and rob them of their homes, and then make a show of saying long prayers! Because of this your punishment will be all the worse! [(see Mk 12.40).]
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.