King James Version
What Does Matthew 23:6 Mean?
“And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,”
Context
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,
7
And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **The uppermost rooms.**—Better, *the first places,* the word “room,” which had that meaning at the time when the English version was made, having now become identical with “chamber.” Strictly speaking, they would be the first places, nearest to the host, on the couches or ottomans (as we have learnt to call them from their modern Eastern use) on which the guests reclined, these being assigned (as in the case of “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” in John 13:23) to the most favoured guests.
**The chief seats in the synagogues.**—These were at the upper or Jerusalem end of the synagogue (corresponding to the east end of most Christian churches), where was the ark, or chest that contained the Law. These were given, either by common consent or by the elders of the synagogue, to those who were most conspicuous for their devotion to the Law, and as such, were coveted as a mark of religious reputation.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:6 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 23:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge