Therefore whatever they tell you [a]to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for (A)they say, and do not do. (B)For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to (C)be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. (D)They love the [b]best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 23:3 NU omits to observe
  2. Matthew 23:6 Or place of honor

So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.(A)

“Everything they do is done for people to see:(B) They make their phylacteries[a](C) wide and the tassels on their garments(D) long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;(E) they love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called ‘Rabbi’ by others.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 23:5 That is, boxes containing Scripture verses, worn on forehead and arm