Matthew 23:4
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Original Language Analysis
δεσμεύουσιν
they bind
G1195
δεσμεύουσιν
they bind
Strong's:
G1195
Word #:
1 of 21
to be a binder (captor), i.e., to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
φορτία
burdens
G5413
φορτία
burdens
Strong's:
G5413
Word #:
3 of 21
an invoice (as part of freight), i.e., (figuratively) a task or service
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
them on
G1909
ἐπὶ
them on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτά
them
G846
αὐτά
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 21
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
θέλουσιν
they themselves will
G2309
θέλουσιν
they themselves will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
19 of 21
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
Cross References
Luke 11:46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.Acts 15:10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?Galatians 6:13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Historical Context
Pharisaic oral law included 613 commandments plus countless interpretative regulations. Examples: Sabbath rules defined what constituted 'work' in absurd detail (how far one could walk, whether healing was permitted). These traditions, meant to 'build a fence around Torah,' became heavier than Torah itself.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'heavy burdens' do modern religious communities lay on believers that Scripture does not require?
- How does legalism paradoxically combine harsh judgment of others with self-justification?
- Why does Jesus's 'easy yoke' not eliminate moral demands but transform how we carry them?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers—the verb desmeuousin (δεσμεύουσιν, they bind) describes tying up loads, while phortia barea kai dysbastakta (φορτία βαρέα καὶ δυσβάστακτα, burdens heavy and hard-to-carry) emphasizes crushing weight. This imagery contrasts sharply with Jesus's invitation: My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
The Pharisees' legalism multiplied regulations without offering grace for failure. They demanded perfection in minutiae (tithing herbs, Matthew 23:23) while neglecting mercy. The phrase they will not move them with one of their fingers exposes not just exempting themselves from their own rules, but refusing even minimal help to those struggling under impossible standards. Legalism always produces this pattern: harsh judgment of others, lenient self-evaluation.