Matthew 23:2
Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
Original Language Analysis
λέγων,
Saying
G3004
λέγων,
Saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐπὶ
in
G1909
Ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Μωσέως
Moses
G3475
Μωσέως
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
4 of 11
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
ἐκάθισαν
sit
G2523
ἐκάθισαν
sit
Strong's:
G2523
Word #:
6 of 11
to seat down, i.e., set (figuratively, appoint); intransitively, to sit (down); figuratively, to settle (hover, dwell)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 20:46Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;Mark 12:38And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,Malachi 2:7For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.Ezra 7:25And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
Historical Context
After the Babylonian exile, scribes and Pharisees became the primary interpreters of Torah for the Jewish people. The 'seat of Moses' represented authoritative teaching passed down through oral tradition (later codified in the Mishnah). Synagogues often had physical seats positioned prominently for the Torah reader and teacher.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus distinguish between respecting an office and following corrupt office-holders?
- What does 'sitting in Moses's seat' reveal about claims to spiritual authority?
- Can teaching authority be legitimate even when the teacher's life contradicts the message?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat—the phrase epi tēs Mōuseōs kathedras ekathisan (ἐπὶ τῆς Μωϋσέως καθέδρας ἐκάθισαν) literally means they have seated themselves on Moses's chair. The kathedra (καθέδρα, chair/seat of authority) refers to the teaching office of interpreting Torah. Archaeological evidence confirms actual stone seats in synagogues where teachers sat to instruct.
Jesus acknowledges the Pharisees' legitimate teaching authority derived from Mosaic succession while simultaneously preparing to demolish their personal credibility. This paradox—valid office, corrupt officeholders—mirrors the distinction between God's Word rightly taught and those teachers' hypocritical lives. The verb tense (ekathisan, aorist) suggests they assumed this position themselves, perhaps hinting at self-appointment rather than divine calling.