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Matthew 23:4-6
Easy-to-Read Version
Matthew 23:4-6
Easy-to-Read Version
4 They make strict rules that are hard for people to obey. They try to force others to obey all their rules. But they themselves will not try to follow any of those rules.
5 “The only reason they do what they do is for other people to see them. They make the little Scripture boxes[a] they wear bigger and bigger. And they make the tassels[b] on their prayer clothes long enough for people to notice them. 6 These men love to have the places of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 23:5 Scripture boxes Small leather boxes containing four important Scriptures. Some Jews tied these to the forehead and left arm to show their devotion to God and his word. Many Pharisees made these bigger to show that they were more religious than others.
- Matthew 23:5 tassels Decorations made from wool threads that hung down from the four corners of the clothing or prayer shawls worn by Jews. They were supposed to be reminders of God’s commands (see Num. 15:38-41).
Matthew 23:4-6
New International Version
Matthew 23:4-6
New International Version
4 They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.(A)
5 “Everything they do is done for people to see:(B) They make their phylacteries[a](C) wide and the tassels on their garments(D) long; 6 they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;(E)
Footnotes
- Matthew 23:5 That is, boxes containing Scripture verses, worn on forehead and arm
Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
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