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BSB
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Matthew 23

BSB·39 verses ·New Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1ThenΤότεTote — at that time, then, thereuponG5119 — Full Word Study → JesusἸησοῦςIēsous — The Lord SavesG2424 — Full Word Study → spokeἐλάλησενelalēsen — to speak, say, or utter wordsG2980 — Full Word Study → to theτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → crowdsὄχλοιςochlois — A crowd or multitude of people gathered togetherG3793 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → toτοῖςtois — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → Hisαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → disciplesμαθηταῖςmathētais — A learner or follower of a teacherG3101 — Full Word Study →: 2Theοἱhoi — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study → sitἐκάθισανekathisan — to sit down, be seated, or remain in a placeG2523 — Full Word Study → inἘπὶEpi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → Moses’ΜωϋσέωςMōuseōs — The lawgiver and prophetG3475 — Full Word Study → seatκαθέδραςkathedras — Seat, throne, or chair of authorityG2515 — Full Word Study →. 3Soοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study → practiceποιήσατεpoiēsate — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → observeτηρεῖτεtēreite — to guard, keep, preserve, or observeG5083 — Full Word Study → everythingπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → they tellεἴπωσινeipōsin — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → doποιεῖτεpoieite — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → not do whatκατὰkata — according to, down along, againstG2596 — Full Word Study → theyαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → doἔργαerga — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study →, forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → they do not practiceποιοῦσινpoiousin — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → whatκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → they preachλέγουσινlegousin — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →. 4They tie upδεσμεύουσινdesmeuousin — to bind, fetter, or restrainG1195 — Full Word Study → heavyβαρέαbarea — Heavy, weighty, burdensome, or grievousG926 — Full Word Study →, burdensomeδυσβάστακτα]dysbastakta — Burdensome, hard to bear, grievousG1419 — Full Word Study → loadsφορτίαphortia — A load or burden to be carriedG5413 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → lay them onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → men’sἀνθρώπωνanthrōpōn — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → shouldersὤμουςōmous — shoulder; the joint connecting arm to torsoG5606 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → they themselvesαὐτοὶautoi — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → are not willingθέλουσινthelousin — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to lift a fingerδακτύλῳdaktylō — finger; a digit of the handG1147 — Full Word Study → to moveκινῆσαιkinēsai — to move, shake, or stirG2795 — Full Word Study → themαὐτάauta — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 5AllΠάνταPanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → deedsἔργαerga — Work, deed, or action; labor or taskG2041 — Full Word Study → are doneποιοῦσινpoiousin — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → forπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → menἀνθρώποιςanthrōpois — human being, man, personG444 — Full Word Study → to seeθεαθῆναιtheathēnai — To gaze upon, behold intentlyG2300 — Full Word Study →. They broadenπλατύνουσινplatynousin — to widen, enlarge, or make broadG4115 — Full Word Study → theirαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → phylacteriesφυλακτήριαphylaktēria — phylactery, protective amulet worn as a signG5440 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → lengthenμεγαλύνουσινmegalynousin — To magnify, enlarge, or exalt in importanceG3170 — Full Word Study → theirτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → tasselsκράσπεδαkraspeda — edge, border, or hem of a garmentG2899 — Full Word Study →. 6They loveφιλοῦσινphilousin — to kiss; to love affectionatelyG5368 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → places of honorπρωτοκλισίανprōtoklisian — place of honor at table; seat of prominenceG4411 — Full Word Study → atἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → banquetsδείπνοιςdeipnois — Main meal, feast, or supperG1173 — Full Word Study →, theτὰςtas — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → chief seatsπρωτοκαθεδρίαςprōtokathedrias — Chief seat; place of highest honorG4410 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → synagoguesσυναγωγαῖςsynagōgais — gathering place; congregation; synagogueG4864 — Full Word Study →, 7theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greetingsἀσπασμοὺςaspasmous — A greeting or salutation; an expression of goodwillG783 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → marketplacesἀγοραῖςagorais — marketplace; public square or streetG58 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → the titleκαλεῖσθαιkaleisthai — to call, summon, or nameG2564 — Full Word Study → of ‘RabbiῬαββίRhabbi — Jewish teacher or masterG4461 — Full Word Study →byὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → which they are addressed. 8Butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὙμεῖςHymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → are not to be calledκληθῆτεklēthēte — to call, summon, or nameG2564 — Full Word Study →RabbiῬαββίRhabbi — Jewish teacher or masterG4461 — Full Word Study →,’ forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → have oneεἷςheis — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → Teacherδιδάσκαλοςdidaskalos — teacherG1320 — Full Word Study →, andδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → allπάντεςpantes — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → brothersἀδελφοίadelphoi — brother; male sibling or fellow believerG80 — Full Word Study →. 9Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → do not call anyoneκαλέσητεkalesēte — to call, summon, or nameG2564 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → earthγῆςgēs — earth, land, ground, worldG1093 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → fatherπατέραpatera — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, forγάρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → have oneεἷςheis — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → FatherΠατὴρPatēr — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, who is in heavenοὐράνιοςouranios — heavenly, of or from heavenG3770 — Full Word Study →. 10Norμηδὲmēde — neither, nor; not evenG3366 — Full Word Study → are you to be calledκληθῆτεklēthēte — to call, summon, or nameG2564 — Full Word Study → instructorsκαθηγηταίkathēgētai — Teacher; master instructorG2519 — Full Word Study →, forὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → have oneεἷςheis — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → Instructorκαθηγητὴςkathēgētēs — Teacher; master instructorG2519 — Full Word Study →, theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → ChristΧριστόςChristos — The Anointed OneG5547 — Full Word Study →. 11Theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → greatestμείζωνmeizōn — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study → among youὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → shall beἔσταιestai — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → servantδιάκονοςdiakonos — servant; one who servesG1249 — Full Word Study →. 12Forδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → whoeverὍστιςHostis — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → exaltsὑψώσειhypsōsei — to lift up, exalt, or elevateG5312 — Full Word Study → himselfἑαυτὸνheauton — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → will be humbledταπεινωθήσεταιtapeinōthēsetai — to humble, abase, or make lowG5013 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → whoeverὅστιςhostis — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → humblesταπεινώσειtapeinōsei — to humble, abase, or make lowG5013 — Full Word Study → himselfἑαυτὸνheauton — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → will be exaltedὑψωθήσεταιhypsōthēsetai — to lift up, exalt, or elevateG5312 — Full Word Study →. 13WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You shutκλείετεkleiete — To shut, close, or lock upG2808 — Full Word Study → theτὴνtēn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → kingdomβασιλείανbasileian — The reign or domain of a king; God's sovereign ruleG932 — Full Word Study → ofτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → heavenοὐρανῶνouranōn — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study → in men’s facesἔμπροσθενemprosthen — before, in front of, in the presence ofG1715 — Full Word Study →. You yourselvesὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → do not enterεἰσέρχεσθεeiserchesthe — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study →, norοὐδὲoude — neither, nor; not evenG3761 — Full Word Study → will you letἀφίετεaphiete — to release, forgive, or send awayG863 — Full Word Study → inεἰσελθεῖνeiselthein — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study → those whoτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → wish to enterεἰσερχομένουςeiserchomenous — to enter, go in, come intoG1525 — Full Word Study →. 14 15WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You traverseπεριάγετεperiagete — to go around, travel about, lead aroundG4013 — Full Word Study → landκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → and seaθάλασσανthalassan — Sea; large body of salt waterG2281 — Full Word Study → to winποιῆσαιpoiēsai — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → a singleἕναhena — one, a single unit, unifiedG1520 — Full Word Study → convertπροσήλυτονprosēlyton — A non-Jewish convert to JudaismG4339 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → whenὅτανhotan — whenever, at the time when, as soon asG3752 — Full Word Study → he becomes one, you makeποιεῖτεpoieite — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → himαὐτὸνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → twice as muchδιπλότερονdiploteron — double, twofold, twice as muchG1362 — Full Word Study → a sonυἱὸνhuion — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → of hellγεέννηςgeennēs — Gehenna; the final place of judgment and punishmentG1067 — Full Word Study → as you areὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →. 16WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, blindτυφλοὶtyphloi — unable to see; lacking spiritual perceptionG5185 — Full Word Study → guidesὁδηγοὶhodēgoi — A guide; one who leads or directs the wayG3595 — Full Word Study →! You sayλέγοντεςlegontes — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →, ‘If anyoneὋςHos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσῃomosē — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeναῷnaō — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study →, it meansἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → nothingοὐδένouden — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →; butδ’d’ — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → if anyoneὃςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσῃomosē — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → goldχρυσῷchrysō — Gold; precious metal; wealthG5557 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeναοῦnaou — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study →, he is bound by his oathὀφείλειopheilei — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study →.’ 17You blind foolsμωροὶmōroi — foolish, senseless, lacking wisdomG3474 — Full Word Study →! Whichτίςtis — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → isἐστίνestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → greaterμείζωνmeizōn — Great in size, power, or intensityG3173 — Full Word Study →: theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → goldχρυσὸςchrysos — Gold; precious metal; wealthG5557 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → theho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeναὸςnaos — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study → that makes it sacredἁγιάσαςhagiasas — To set apart as holy; to sanctify or consecrateG37 — Full Word Study →? 18And you say, ‘If anyoneὋςHos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσῃomosē — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → altarθυσιαστηρίῳthysiastēriō — A place or structure for offering sacrifices to GodG2379 — Full Word Study →, it meansἐστινestin — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → nothingοὐδένouden — no one, nothing, none at allG3762 — Full Word Study →; butδ’d’ — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → if anyoneὃςhos — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσῃomosē — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → giftδώρῳdōrō — A gift or offering; a presentG1435 — Full Word Study → onἐπάνωepanō — above, over, uponG1883 — Full Word Study → itαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, he is bound by his oathὀφείλειopheilei — to owe; to be obligated or indebtedG3784 — Full Word Study →.’ 19You blind menτυφλοίtyphloi — unable to see; lacking spiritual perceptionG5185 — Full Word Study →! Whichτίti — Who? What? Which? (interrogative pronoun)G5101 — Full Word Study → is greater: theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → giftδῶρονdōron — A gift or offering; a presentG1435 — Full Word Study →, orē — Or; either...or; conjunction expressing alternativesG2228 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → altarθυσιαστήριονthysiastērion — A place or structure for offering sacrifices to GodG2379 — Full Word Study → that makes it sacredἁγιάζονhagiazon — To set apart as holy; to sanctify or consecrateG37 — Full Word Study →? 20So thenοὖνoun — therefore, then, so, thusG3767 — Full Word Study →, he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσαςomosas — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → altarθυσιαστηρίῳthysiastēriō — A place or structure for offering sacrifices to GodG2379 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμνύειomnyei — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → itαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → everythingπᾶσιpasi — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → onἐπάνωepanō — above, over, uponG1883 — Full Word Study → itαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 21Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσαςomosas — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeναῷnaō — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμνύειomnyei — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → itαὐτῷautō — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the One who dwellsκατοικοῦντιkatoikounti — to dwell, to inhabit, to settle and resideG2730 — Full Word Study → in itαὐτόνauton — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 22Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → he whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμόσαςomosas — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → heavenοὐρανῷouranō — Heaven; the sky; God's dwelling placeG3772 — Full Word Study → swearsὀμνύειomnyei — to swear an oath; to vow solemnlyG3660 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → God’sΘεοῦTheou — God, the Divine BeingG2316 — Full Word Study → throneθρόνῳthronō — A seat of authority; a royal throneG2362 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → byἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the One who sitsκαθημένῳkathēmenō — to sit, be seated, dwellG2521 — Full Word Study → onἐπάνωepanō — above, over, uponG1883 — Full Word Study → itαὐτοῦautou — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →. 23WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You pay tithes ofἀποδεκατοῦτεapodekatoute — to give or pay a tenth; to titheG586 — Full Word Study → mintἡδύοσμονhēdyosmon — mint plant; aromatic herbG2238 — Full Word Study →, dillἄνηθονanēthon — dill; an aromatic herb used for seasoning and medicineG432 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → cuminκύμινονkyminon — cumin, an aromatic spiceG2951 — Full Word Study →. Butκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → you have disregardedἀφήκατεaphēkate — to release, forgive, or send awayG863 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → weightier matters of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → lawνόμουnomou — law, rule, or principleG3551 — Full Word Study →: justiceκρίσινkrisin — judgment, decision, or verdictG2920 — Full Word Study →, mercyἔλεοςeleos — Compassion, mercy, or tender compassionG1656 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → faithfulnessπίστινpistin — Trust, belief, confidence in GodG4102 — Full Word Study →. You should haveἔδειedei — it is necessary, must, oughtG1163 — Full Word Study → practicedποιῆσαιpoiēsai — to do, make, perform, or accomplishG4160 — Full Word Study → the latterταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →, withoutδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → neglectingἀφιέναι*aphienai — to release, forgive, or send awayG863 — Full Word Study → the formerκἀκεῖναkakeina — and that one; and he/she/it alsoG2548 — Full Word Study →. 24You blindτυφλοίtyphloi — unable to see; lacking spiritual perceptionG5185 — Full Word Study → guidesὁδηγοὶhodēgoi — A guide; one who leads or directs the wayG3595 — Full Word Study →! You strain outδιϋλίζοντεςdiulizontes — To strain out; to filter meticulouslyG1368 — Full Word Study → a gnatκώνωπαkōnōpa — A small flying insect; a gnat or mosquitoG2971 — Full Word Study → butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → swallowκαταπίνοντεςkatapinontes — to swallow up; to engulf or consume completelyG2666 — Full Word Study → a camelκάμηλονkamēlon — camel; large desert animal used for transportG2574 — Full Word Study →. 25WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You cleanκαθαρίζετεkatharizete — to cleanse, purify, make cleanG2511 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → outsideἔξωθενexōthen — from outside; external; outwardG1855 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → cupποτηρίουpotēriou — cup, drinking vesselG4221 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → dishπαροψίδοςparopsidos — a serving dish or platterG3953 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → insideἔσωθενesōthen — from within, inwardly, interiorG2081 — Full Word Study → they are fullγέμουσινgemousin — to be full, to be filled withG1073 — Full Word Study → ofἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → greedἁρπαγῆςharpagēs — plunder, seizure, or violent takingG724 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → self-indulgenceἀκρασίαςakrasias — lack of self-control, intemperanceG192 — Full Word Study →. 26Blindτυφλέtyphle — unable to see; lacking spiritual perceptionG5185 — Full Word Study → PhariseeΦαρισαῖεPharisaie — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →! Firstπρῶτονprōton — first; before; at the beginningG4412 — Full Word Study → cleanκαθάρισονkatharison — to cleanse, purify, make cleanG2511 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → insideἐντὸςentos — inside, within, interiorG1787 — Full Word Study → of theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → cupποτηρίουpotēriou — cup, drinking vesselG4221 — Full Word Study → and‹καὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → dishπαροψίδος›paropsidos — a serving dish or platterG3953 — Full Word Study →, so thatἵναhina — in order that; so that; to the intent thatG2443 — Full Word Study → theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → outsideἐκτὸςektos — outside; except; exclusive ofG1622 — Full Word Study → may becomeγένηταιgenētai — to become, come into being, happenG1096 — Full Word Study → cleanκαθαρόνkatharon — clean, pure, uncontaminatedG2513 — Full Word Study → as wellκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →. 27WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You are likeπαρομοιάζετεparomoiazete — to be like, to resemble closelyG3945 — Full Word Study → whitewashedκεκονιαμένοιςkekoniamenois — to whitewash; to cover over or concealG2867 — Full Word Study → tombsτάφοιςtaphois — Grave, tomb, burial placeG5028 — Full Word Study →, whichοἵτινεςhoitines — whoever, whichever, the one whoG3748 — Full Word Study → lookφαίνονταιphainontai — To appear, shine, or become visibleG5316 — Full Word Study → beautifulὡραῖοιhōraioi — Beautiful, timelyG5611 — Full Word Study → on the outsideἔξωθενexōthen — from outside; external; outwardG1855 — Full Word Study →, butδὲde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → on the insideἔσωθενesōthen — from within, inwardly, interiorG2081 — Full Word Study → are fullγέμουσινgemousin — to be full, to be filled withG1073 — Full Word Study → of dead men’s bonesὀστέωνosteōn — bone; skeletal structureG3747 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → every kind ofπάσηςpasēs — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → impurityἀκαθαρσίαςakatharsias — Moral and spiritual impurity or uncleannessG167 — Full Word Study →. 28In the same wayοὕτωςhoutōs — in this manner; thus; soG3779 — Full Word Study →, on the outsideἔξωθενexōthen — from outside; external; outwardG1855 — Full Word Study → youὑμεῖςhymeis — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → appear to beφαίνεσθεphainesthe — To appear, shine, or become visibleG5316 — Full Word Study → righteousδίκαιοιdikaioi — righteous, just, morally uprightG1342 — Full Word Study →, butδέde — thenG1161 — Full Word Study → on the insideἔσωθενesōthen — from within, inwardly, interiorG2081 — Full Word Study → you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → fullμεστοὶmestoi — full, filled, completely occupiedG3324 — Full Word Study → of hypocrisyὑποκρίσεωςhypokriseōs — pretense, hypocrisy, or false appearanceG5272 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → wickednessἀνομίαςanomias — violation of God's law; lawlessnessG458 — Full Word Study →. 29WoeΟὐαὶOuai — Woe; an exclamation of lament or judgmentG3759 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, scribesγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → PhariseesΦαρισαῖοιPharisaioi — Jewish legal expertG5330 — Full Word Study →, you hypocritesὑποκριταίhypokritai — One who pretends; a play-actor; hypocriteG5273 — Full Word Study →! You buildοἰκοδομεῖτεoikodomeite — to build up, construct, edifyG3618 — Full Word Study → tombsτάφουςtaphous — Grave, tomb, burial placeG5028 — Full Word Study → for theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφητῶνprophētōn — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → decorateκοσμεῖτεkosmeite — To arrange, adorn, or decorateG2885 — Full Word Study → theτὰta — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → monumentsμνημεῖαmnēmeia — tomb, grave, burial placeG3419 — Full Word Study → of theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → righteousδικαίωνdikaiōn — righteous, just, morally uprightG1342 — Full Word Study →. 30Andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → you sayλέγετεlegete — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study →, ‘IfΕἰEi — if; conditional conjunction introducing hypothetical or contingent circumstancesG1487 — Full Word Study → we had livedἤμεθαēmetha — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → theταῖςtais — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → daysἡμέραιςhēmerais — A 24-hour period; time; eraG2250 — Full Word Study → of ourἡμῶνhēmōn — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → fathersπατέρωνpaterōn — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →, we would not have beenἤμεθαēmetha — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → partnersκοινωνοὶkoinōnoi — Partner; sharer in common participationG2844 — Full Word Study → with themαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → in shedding theτῷtō — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bloodαἵματιhaimati — blood; life force; violent deathG129 — Full Word Study → of theτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφητῶνprophētōn — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →.’ 31Soὥστεhōste — so that, with the result that, thereforeG5620 — Full Word Study → you testifyμαρτυρεῖτεmartyreite — To testify, bear witness, give testimonyG3140 — Full Word Study → against yourselvesἑαυτοῖςheautois — himself, herself, itself, themselves; oneselfG1438 — Full Word Study → thatὅτιhoti — that; because; since; introducing clauses of reason or contentG3754 — Full Word Study → you areἐστεeste — to exist, to be, am/is/areG1510 — Full Word Study → the sons of thoseτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → who murderedφονευσάντωνphoneusantōn — to commit murder; to unlawfully kill a personG5407 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφήταςprophētas — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study →. 32Fill upπληρώσατεplērōsate — to fill up, complete, or bring to fulfillmentG4137 — Full Word Study →, thenκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study →, theτὸto — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → measure ofτῶνtōn — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → the sin of yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → fathersπατέρωνpaterōn — father; male parent; ancestorG3962 — Full Word Study →. 33You snakesὄφειςopheis — serpent, snakeG3789 — Full Word Study →! You broodγεννήματαgennēmata — offspring, product, or fruit of generationG1081 — Full Word Study → of vipersἐχιδνῶνechidnōn — viper, venomous snakeG2191 — Full Word Study →! Howπῶςpōs — how? in what manner? by what means?G4459 — Full Word Study → will you escapeφύγητεphygēte — To flee, escape, or run awayG5343 — Full Word Study → theτῆςtēs — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sentenceκρίσεωςkriseōs — judgment, decision, or verdictG2920 — Full Word Study → of hellγεέννηςgeennēs — Gehenna; the final place of judgment and punishmentG1067 — Full Word Study →? 34Because ofΔιὰDia — through; by means of; because ofG1223 — Full Word Study → thisτοῦτοtouto — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study →, Iἐγὼegō — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → am sendingἀποστέλλωapostellō — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφήταςprophētas — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → wise men andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → teachersγραμματεῖςgrammateis — Scribe; learned expert in religious law and ScriptureG1122 — Full Word Study →. Some ofἐξex — out from, out of, from withinG1537 — Full Word Study → themαὐτῶνautōn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → you will killἀποκτενεῖτεapokteneite — to killG615 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → crucifyσταυρώσετεstaurōsete — to crucify; to execute by crucifixionG4717 — Full Word Study →, andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → others you will flogμαστιγώσετεmastigōsete — to whip, scourge, or beat with a whipG3146 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → synagoguesσυναγωγαῖςsynagōgais — gathering place; congregation; synagogueG4864 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → persecuteδιώξετεdiōxete — To pursue, persecute, or press forwardG1377 — Full Word Study → in townπόλεωςpoleōs — A city; a populated urban centerG4172 — Full Word Study → after toεἰςeis — into, toward, untoG1519 — Full Word Study →wn. 35And soὅπωςhopōs — in order that, so that, that (purpose or result)G3704 — Full Word Study → uponἐφ’eph’ — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → youὑμᾶςhymas — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → will comeἔλθῃelthē — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → allπᾶνpan — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → the righteous bloodαἷμαhaima — blood; life force; violent deathG129 — Full Word Study → shedἐκχυννόμενονekchynnomenon — To pour out; shed; spillG1632 — Full Word Study → onἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → earthγῆςgēs — earth, land, ground, worldG1093 — Full Word Study →, fromἀπὸapo — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bloodαἵματοςhaimatos — blood; life force; violent deathG129 — Full Word Study → ofτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → righteousδικαίουdikaiou — righteous, just, morally uprightG1342 — Full Word Study → AbelἍβελHabel — Breath, vanityG6 — Full Word Study → toἕωςheōs — until; up to a point in time or spaceG2193 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → bloodαἵματοςhaimatos — blood; life force; violent deathG129 — Full Word Study → of ZechariahΖαχαρίουZachariou — The Lord remembersG2197 — Full Word Study → sonυἱοῦhuiou — Son; male child or descendantG5207 — Full Word Study → of BerechiahΒαραχίουBarachiou — God has blessedG914 — Full Word Study →, whomὃνhon — who, which, thatG3739 — Full Word Study → you murderedἐφονεύσατεephoneusate — to commit murder; to unlawfully kill a personG5407 — Full Word Study → betweenμεταξὺmetaxy — between; in the midst of; meanwhileG3342 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → templeναοῦnaou — inner sanctuary of a temple; holy of holiesG3485 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → theτοῦtou — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → altarθυσιαστηρίουthysiastēriou — A place or structure for offering sacrifices to GodG2379 — Full Word Study →. 36Trulyἀμὴνamēn — Truly, so be it, affirmation of truthG281 — Full Word Study → I tellλέγωlegō — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study →, allπάνταpanta — all, every, the whole ofG3956 — Full Word Study → these thingsταῦταtauta — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → will comeἥξειhēxei — to come, to arrive, to be presentG2240 — Full Word Study → uponἐπὶepi — upon, on, over, againstG1909 — Full Word Study → thisταύτηνtautēn — This one; he, she, it; that person or thingG3778 — Full Word Study → generationγενεὰνgenean — A generation; an age or period of timeG1074 — Full Word Study →. 37O JerusalemἸερουσαλὴμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study →, JerusalemἸερουσαλήμIerousalēm — Holy City of GodG2419 — Full Word Study →, whohē — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → killsἀποκτείνουσαapokteinousa — to killG615 — Full Word Study → theτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → prophetsπροφήταςprophētas — One who speaks for God; a messenger of divine truthG4396 — Full Word Study → andκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → stonesλιθοβολοῦσαlithobolousa — to stone; to execute by throwing stonesG3036 — Full Word Study → thoseτοὺςtous — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → sentἀπεσταλμένουςapestalmenous — to send forth or dispatchG649 — Full Word Study → toπρὸςpros — toward, to, with, in relation toG4314 — Full Word Study → herαὐτήνautēn — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study →, how oftenποσάκιςposakis — how often, how many timesG4212 — Full Word Study → I have longedἠθέλησαēthelēsa — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study → to gatherἐπισυναγαγεῖνepisynagagein — to gather together, to assembleG1996 — Full Word Study → yourσουsou — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → children together, asτρόπονtropon — manner, way, means, or customG5158 — Full Word Study → a henὄρνιςornis — A hen; a female chickenG3733 — Full Word Study → gathersἐπισυνάγειepisynagei — to gather together, to assembleG1996 — Full Word Study → herαὐτῆςautēs — he, she, it, self; third-person pronounG846 — Full Word Study → chicksνοσσίαnossia — a young chicken or chickG3556 — Full Word Study → underὑπὸhypo — under; by; from the agency ofG5259 — Full Word Study → her wingsπτέρυγαςpterygas — Wing; protective coveringG4420 — Full Word Study →, butκαὶkai — and; also; even; bothG2532 — Full Word Study → you were unwillingἠθελήσατεēthelēsate — to desire, wish, or will; to be inclined towardG2309 — Full Word Study →! 38Lookἰδοὺidou — Look! Behold! See!G2400 — Full Word Study →, yourὑμῶνhymōn — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → houseοἶκοςoikos — A dwelling place; house or householdG3624 — Full Word Study → is leftἀφίεταιaphietai — to release, forgive, or send awayG863 — Full Word Study → to youὑμῖνhymin — You (singular or plural pronoun)G4771 — Full Word Study → desolate‹ἔρημος›erēmos — wilderness, deserted place, desolate regionG2048 — Full Word Study →. 39Forγὰρgar — for, because, since (causal/explanatory conjunction)G1063 — Full Word Study → I tellλέγωlegō — to say, speak, or tellG3004 — Full Word Study → you that you will not seeἴδητεidēte — To see, perceive, or observe with the eyes or mindG3708 — Full Word Study → Meμεme — I, me; the first-person singular pronounG1473 — Full Word Study → againἀπ’ap’ — from, away from, out ofG575 — Full Word Study → untilἕωςheōs — until; up to a point in time or spaceG2193 — Full Word Study → you sayεἴπητεeipēte — to speak, say, or tellG2036 — Full Word Study →, ‘Blessed is He whoho — Definite article: the, this, thatG3588 — Full Word Study → comesἐρχόμενοςerchomenos — to come, go, arrive, or appearG2064 — Full Word Study → inἐνen — in, on, among, at, by means ofG1722 — Full Word Study → the name of the Lord.’”
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Chapter Commentary — Matthew 23
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Matthew 23 records Jesus' most severe public rebuke, delivered against the scribes and Pharisees who had become the spiritual authorities of Israel. Rather than condemning them in private, Jesus speaks before the multitude and His disciples, exposing the corruption of religious leadership that prioritized external show over internal transformation. This chapter contains seven "woes"—divine pronouncements of judgment—and serves as both a warning against spiritual hypocrisy and a vindication of Christ's authority as the true Teacher of God's people. The passage culminates in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, revealing His heart of compassion even as He announces coming judgment.

Verses 1-12: Authority, Example, and Humility

Jesus acknowledges that the scribes and Pharisees "sit in Moses' seat" (v. 2), meaning they hold the office of teaching God's law. However, He immediately distinguishes between their authority and their character. Believers are to obey the office they hold and the Scripture they teach (v. 3), but must never imitate their hypocrisy—they "say, and do not" (v. 3). Their burdens are "heavy" and "grievous" (v. 4) because they add human traditions to God's law without living by them themselves.

Verses 5-7 expose their core motivation: pride and the love of human recognition. They enlarge phylacteries (small boxes containing Scripture worn on forehead and arm), broaden garment borders, seek honor at banquets, and crave respectful titles. Jesus then instructs His followers in the opposite spirit: call no one "Rabbi" (v. 8), "Father" (v. 9), or "Master" (v. 10) in the sense of ultimate spiritual authority—Christ alone holds that place. True greatness comes through servanthood (v. 11), and self-exaltation leads to humiliation while humility leads to exaltation (v. 12).

Application: Beware of spiritual pride. Christian leaders have authority to teach Scripture, but must live out what they preach and serve rather than dominate.

Verses 13-35: Seven Woes Against Hypocrisy

Jesus pronounces seven "woes" (divine judgments) on the scribes and Pharisees. They shut up the kingdom of heaven (v. 13) by rejecting Christ and preventing others from entering. They devour widows' houses while making long prayers for show (v. 14), earning "greater damnation." They labor tirelessly to convert proselytes only to make them "twofold more the child of hell" (v. 15), corrupting them with false teaching.

In verses 16-22, Jesus exposes their distorted oaths: they claim swearing by the temple's gold is binding but swearing by the temple itself is not. This is backwards logic—the temple sanctifies the gold, not vice versa (v. 17). All oaths ultimately appeal to God's throne, making the distinction meaningless and dishonest.

Verse 23 identifies their fatal flaw: they tithe even tiny herbs (mint, anise, cumin) yet "omit the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith." They strain at gnats while swallowing camels (v. 24)—obsessing over minuscule details while ignoring the law's heart. Verses 25-26 picture them as cleaned cups filled with extortion inside; they must cleanse the interior first. Verses 27-28 compare them to whitewashed tombs—beautiful outside but full of corruption and death within. Their final hypocrisy (vv. 29-32) is honoring dead prophets while becoming like those who killed them. They will "fill up the measure" of their fathers' sin (v. 32).

Verse 33 culminates in stark language: "Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" Verses 34-35 predict that Christ will send prophets and wise men whom they will kill, bringing judgment upon themselves.

Application: Guard your heart against superficial religion. God values mercy, justice, and faith above external ritual.

Verses 36-39: Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem

Despite pronouncing judgment, Jesus' tone shifts to profound grief. He describes His longing to gather Jerusalem's children "as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings" (v. 37), but they refused Him. Consequently, "your house is left unto you desolate" (v. 38). Yet even this closes with hope: they will not see Him again "till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" (v. 39), pointing to future repentance and restoration.

Application for Today

Matthew 23 calls us to radical honesty before God. Jesus hates pretense and loves mercy. Whether in church leadership or personal faith, let your inner life match your outer profession. Pursue authentic discipleship: serve humbly, prioritize compassion and justice over rule-keeping, and remember that God sees the heart. Finally, take comfort that Christ's severity flows from a heart of tender

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