King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:3 Mean?

Matthew 23:3 in the King James Version says “All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and d... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

Matthew 23:3 · KJV


Context

1

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2

Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3

All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, phylacteries: pieces of parchment containing sentences of the law


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not—Jesus commands obedience to Torah teaching (tēreite kai poieite, τηρεῖτε καὶ ποιεῖτε, keep and do) while forbidding imitation of hypocritical conduct. The stark contrast legousin kai ou poiousin (λέγουσιν καὶ οὐ ποιοῦσιν, they say and do not) exposes the fundamental flaw: orthodoxy without orthopraxy, right doctrine without right living.

This is not blanket endorsement of Pharisaic oral tradition (which Jesus often challenged) but recognition that when they correctly teach Scripture, it must be obeyed. The verse establishes a crucial hermeneutical principle: truth remains true regardless of the teacher's character, yet teachers will be judged more severely (James 3:1) for failing to live what they teach.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Pharisees added extensive oral traditions to Torah (the 'tradition of the elders' in Mark 7:3-13), creating hundreds of detailed rules. Jesus distinguished between biblical commands (which He upheld) and human traditions that often contradicted Scripture's spirit while claiming to protect it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern when religious leaders teach Scripture accurately versus imposing human tradition?
  2. Why does Jesus command obedience to their teaching despite condemning their hypocrisy?
  3. What dangers arise when believers focus on doctrinal correctness while neglecting personal transformation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
πάντα1 of 22

All

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οὖν2 of 22

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὅσα3 of 22
G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

ἂν4 of 22

whatsoever

G302

whatsoever

εἴπωσιν5 of 22

they bid

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὑμῖν6 of 22

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

τηρεῖτε7 of 22

observe

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τηρεῖτε8 of 22

observe

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

καὶ9 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ποιοῦσιν10 of 22

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

κατὰ11 of 22

ye after

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

δὲ12 of 22

but

G1161

but, and, etc

τὰ13 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργα14 of 22

works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτῶν15 of 22

their

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μὴ16 of 22

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ποιοῦσιν17 of 22

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

λέγουσιν18 of 22

they say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ19 of 22

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καὶ20 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐ21 of 22

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ποιοῦσιν22 of 22

do

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 23:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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