Matthew 23:5

All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Jesus speaks to the crowds and his disciples while condemning the religious leaders of Israel for their hypocritical piety. He makes this declaration at a moment of direct rebuke to expose their public performance of faith as a contrast to genuine devotion.

The words — πᾶντα (panta) translates literally as "all" and modifies ἔργα (erga), meaning "deeds," to emphasize the totality of their actions. The preposition πρὸς (pros) literally means "in order" or "toward," indicating their deeds are directed toward a specific audience.

The thread — The warning against performing righteous acts for public view echoes Matthew 6:1, which commands believers to avoid doing good before men. The practice of wearing phylacteries and tassels originates in Deuteronomy 6:8, while the underlying motive of seeking human approval aligns with John 12:43.

Why it lands — The text requires readers to examine whether their religious practices are directed toward God or toward human observation. It demands a rejection of performative piety in favor of actions that do not depend on public recognition.

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

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

Cross-references

Matthew 6:1 “Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
John 12:43 For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Deuteronomy 6:8 Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Luke 16:15 So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Numbers 15:38 “Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
Exodus 13:9 It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 22:12 You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear.
Proverbs 6:21 Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck.