Matthew 23:5

Authorized 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,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πάντα
G3956
all
all, any, every, the whole
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#4
ἔργα
G2041
works
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#5
αὐτῶν
G846
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
#6
ποιοῦσιν
G4160
they do
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
#7
πρὸς
G4314
for
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
#8
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
θεαθῆναι
G2300
to be seen
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
#10
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
ἀνθρώποις·
G444
of men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#12
πλατύνουσιν
G4115
they make broad
to widen (literally or figuratively)
#13
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#14
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
φυλακτήρια
G5440
phylacteries
a guard-case, i.e., "phylactery" for wearing slips of scripture texts
#16
αὐτῶν
G846
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
#17
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#18
μεγαλύνουσιν
G3170
enlarge
to make (or declare) great, i.e., increase or (figuratively) extol
#19
τὰ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#20
κράσπεδα
G2899
the borders
a margin, i.e., (specially), a fringe or tassel
#21
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#22
ἱματίων
G2440
garments
a dress (inner or outer)
#23
αὐτῶν
G846
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

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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