King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:4 Mean?

Matthew 23:4 in the King James Version says “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Matthew 23:4 · KJV

Context

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

6

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Read Matthew 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—the verb desmeuousin (δεσμεύουσιν, they bind) describes tying up loads, while phortia barea kai dysbastakta (φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, burdens heavy and hard-to-carry) emphasizes crushing weight. This imagery contrasts sharply with Jesus's invitation: My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

The Pharisees' legalism multiplied regulations without offering grace for failure. They demanded perfection in minutiae (tithing herbs, Matthew 23:23) while neglecting mercy. The phrase they will not move them with one of their fingers exposes not just exempting themselves from their own rules, but refusing even minimal help to those struggling under impossible standards. Legalism always produces this pattern: harsh judgment of others, lenient self-evaluation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisaic oral law included 613 commandments plus countless interpretative regulations. Examples: Sabbath rules defined what constituted 'work' in absurd detail (how far one could walk, whether healing was permitted). These traditions, meant to 'build a fence around Torah,' became heavier than Torah itself.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'heavy burdens' do modern religious communities lay on believers that Scripture does not require?
  2. How does legalism paradoxically combine harsh judgment of others with self-justification?
  3. Why does Jesus's 'easy yoke' not eliminate moral demands but transform how we carry them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
δεσμεύουσιν1 of 21

“they bind”

G1195

to be a binder (captor), i.e., to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

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

φορτία3 of 21

“burdens”

G5413

an invoice (as part of freight), i.e., (figuratively) a task or service

βαρέα4 of 21

“heavy”

G926

weighty, i.e., (fig) burdensome, grave

καὶ5 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

δυσβάστακτα6 of 21

“grievous to be borne”

G1419

oppressive

καὶ7 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ἐπιτιθέασιν8 of 21

“lay”

G2007

to impose (in a friendly or hostile sense)

ἐπὶ9 of 21

“them on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς10 of 21
G3588

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

ὤμους11 of 21

“shoulders”

G5606

the shoulder (as that on which burdens are borne)

τῶν12 of 21
G3588

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

ἀνθρώπων13 of 21

“men's”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τῷ14 of 21
G3588

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

δὲ15 of 21

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

δακτύλῳ16 of 21

“fingers”

G1147

a finger

αὐτά17 of 21

“them”

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

οὐ18 of 21

“not”

G3756

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

θέλουσιν19 of 21

“they themselves will”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

κινῆσαι20 of 21

“move”

G2795

to stir (transitively), literally or figuratively

αὐτά21 of 21

“them”

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

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 23:4 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 23:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 11:46Acts 15:10Galatians 6:13Matthew 11:28-30Matthew 23:23Revelation 2:24

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