Matthew 23:3

So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the crowds and his disciples concerning the scribes and Pharisees, who occupy the authoritative position of Moses’ seat. He issues a direct command to follow their instruction while explicitly refusing to imitate their behavior.

The words — The passage hinges on οὖν (oun), meaning “therefore,” which grounds the command in their established authority, and τηρεῖν (tērein), meaning “to keep” or “observe,” which specifies the required response to their teaching.

The thread — This separation of valid instruction from hypocritical practice echoes warnings against those who maintain a form of godliness while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5) and who profess to know God but contradict Him through their actions (Titus 1:16).

Why it lands — The text requires readers to submit to the authority of the delivered message while simultaneously rejecting the moral failure of its human purveyors. It demands a disciplined discernment that honors the instruction without endorsing the character of its messengers.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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

Cross-references

2 Timothy 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
Romans 2:19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,
Titus 1:16 They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
Deuteronomy 17:9 You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.
2 Chronicles 30:12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.
Psalms 50:16 To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips?
Matthew 21:30 Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go.
Exodus 18:19 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him.