Matthew 23:6
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Original Language Analysis
φιλοῦσιν
love
G5368
φιλοῦσιν
love
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
1 of 13
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρωτοκλισίαν
the uppermost rooms
G4411
πρωτοκλισίαν
the uppermost rooms
Strong's:
G4411
Word #:
4 of 13
a reclining first (in the place of honor) at the dinner-bed, i.e., preeminence at meals
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δείπνοις
feasts
G1173
δείπνοις
feasts
Strong's:
G1173
Word #:
7 of 13
dinner, i.e., the chief meal (usually in the evening)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρωτοκαθεδρίας
the chief seats
G4410
πρωτοκαθεδρίας
the chief seats
Strong's:
G4410
Word #:
10 of 13
a sitting first (in the front row), i.e., preeminence in council
Historical Context
First-century Mediterranean culture was intensely honor-based, with seating arrangements communicating precise social standing. Roman banquets used triclinium arrangements where proximity to the host indicated status. Synagogues reserved prominent forward-facing seats for elders and teachers, making them visible to all worshipers during the service.
Questions for Reflection
- What modern equivalents exist to 'chief seats'—titles, positions, platforms that religious leaders crave?
- How does the pursuit of honor and recognition corrupt authentic spiritual leadership?
- Why is Jesus's kingdom characterized by inverse values where the least are greatest?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues—the verb philousin (φιλοῦσιν, they love) reveals not mere acceptance but craving for honor. Prōtoklisian (πρωτοκλισίαν, first reclining place) at feasts and prōtokathedrias (πρωτοκαθεδρίας, first seats) in synagogues both emphasize prōtos (πρῶτος, first/chief)—the Pharisees' obsession with social rank and public recognition.
In ancient banquets, seating reflected social hierarchy; the closer to the host, the greater the honor. Synagogue seating likewise communicated status, with leaders facing the congregation. Jesus exposes how religious leaders leveraged spiritual authority for social prestige, converting ministry into self-promotion. This love of honor directly contradicts Jesus's teaching that the greatest among you shall be your servant (verse 11).