Matthew 23:2 - Forerunner Commentary

Matthew 23:2

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,

2 saying: ^a“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

3 Therefore whatever they tell you¹ to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for ^athey say, and do not do.

4 ^aFor they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5 But all their works they do to ^abe seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.

6 ^aThey love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’

8 ^aBut you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your¹ Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.

9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; ^afor One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Verse Comparison: Matthew 23:2

American Standard Version
saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat:

Amplified® Bible
The scribes and Pharisees sit on Moses' seat [of authority].

Contemporary English Version
The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law are experts in the Law of Moses.

Darby English Version
saying, The scribes and the Pharisees have set themselves down in Moses' seat:

Good News Bible
"The teachers of the Law and the Pharisees are the authorized interpreters of Moses' Law.

International Standard Version
"The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.

King James Version
Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

New American Standard Bible
saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses;

New International Version
"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.

New King James Version
saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses;

Young's Literal Translation
saying, `On the seat of Moses sat down the scribes and the Pharisees;

New English Translation
“The¹ experts in the law² and the Pharisees³ sit on Moses’ seat.