Matthew 23:3
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 22
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τηρεῖτε
observe
G5083
τηρεῖτε
observe
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
7 of 22
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
τηρεῖτε
observe
G5083
τηρεῖτε
observe
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
8 of 22
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιοῦσιν
do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
10 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κατὰ
ye after
G2596
κατὰ
ye after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
11 of 22
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
14 of 22
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 22
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ποιοῦσιν
do
G4160
ποιοῦσιν
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
17 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
λέγουσιν
they say
G3004
λέγουσιν
they say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.Acts 5:29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.Romans 13:1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.2 Chronicles 30:12Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.
Historical Context
First-century Pharisees added extensive oral traditions to Torah (the 'tradition of the elders' in Mark 7:3-13), creating hundreds of detailed rules. Jesus distinguished between biblical commands (which He upheld) and human traditions that often contradicted Scripture's spirit while claiming to protect it.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern when religious leaders teach Scripture accurately versus imposing human tradition?
- Why does Jesus command obedience to their teaching despite condemning their hypocrisy?
- What dangers arise when believers focus on doctrinal correctness while neglecting personal transformation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not—Jesus commands obedience to Torah teaching (tēreite kai poieite, τηρεῖτε καὶ ποιεῖτε, keep and do) while forbidding imitation of hypocritical conduct. The stark contrast legousin kai ou poiousin (λέγουσιν καὶ οὐ ποιοῦσιν, they say and do not) exposes the fundamental flaw: orthodoxy without orthopraxy, right doctrine without right living.
This is not blanket endorsement of Pharisaic oral tradition (which Jesus often challenged) but recognition that when they correctly teach Scripture, it must be obeyed. The verse establishes a crucial hermeneutical principle: truth remains true regardless of the teacher's character, yet teachers will be judged more severely (James 3:1) for failing to live what they teach.