Matthew 23:5

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

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

This verse reveals profound theological truth central to Reformed understanding of Scripture. The passage demonstrates God's sovereignty and grace working through human circumstances. Christ's teaching here challenges contemporary religious assumptions while pointing to deeper spiritual realities.

Historical Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Questions for Reflection

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