Matthew 23:5 Meaning and Explanation
“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Public faith can carry a hidden question: Whose approval are we seeking? Matthew 23:5 matters because Jesus looks beyond the action that others can see and addresses the purpose that directs it. He does not dismiss the commandments represented by these objects. He uncovers the danger of turning reverence toward God into a way of gaining esteem, influence, or admiration.
Jesus exposes religious acts shaped by the desire for public notice. The visible signs named in the verse belonged to Israel's devotion, yet these leaders used them to display themselves before other people.
The Context of Matthew 23:5
Jesus speaks in Jerusalem to the multitude and to His disciples after confronting religious leaders in the temple. In verses 2-4, He recognizes that the scribes and Pharisees teach from Moses' seat, while warning the people against copying conduct that fails to match their teaching. Verse 5 begins His description of works performed for human attention. The following verses name honored places, public greetings, and impressive titles that they love. Jesus then calls His disciples to receive Him as their Master and to practice humble service, for God humbles those who exalt themselves.
What Does Matthew 23:5 Mean?
The opening words, "all their works they do for to be seen of men," identify a controlling aim. Jesus speaks of works that may have appeared religious and serious, yet their public visibility had become central to them. Phylacteries were small Scripture-containing objects worn in connection with God's commands, and the borders of garments recalled commandments given to Israel. Making them broad and enlarging them made these visible markers more conspicuous. The verse therefore examines the heart behind display. A person may carry a sacred reminder, speak reverently, or serve in a respected setting while quietly seeking the attention that belongs to God. Jesus judges this motive with clarity because it distorts worship and burdens others.
The chapter does not portray every outward practice as false. Jesus later says that tithing matters, while judgment, mercy, and faith also carry great weight. His concern in verse 5 is the use of God-given practices as a stage for self-exaltation. Israel's commands concerning reminders and garment borders served the good purpose of keeping God's word near and shaping daily obedience. When leaders enlarged these signs to secure a reputation, the sign no longer pointed simply toward obedience. This fits the chapter's repeated concern for integrity: teaching joined to doing, care for people bearing heavy burdens, truth in prayer and vows, and inward cleansing. God's commands call for a whole life before Him, including motives unseen by the crowd.
Jesus embodies the humility He commands in this chapter. Soon after this warning, He says that the greatest is the servant, and that the humble will be exalted by God. His own path leads toward service, suffering, and the cross rather than the pursuit of earthly honor. The contrast gives this verse its full weight. Religious appearance can gather praise for a moment; Christ directs His people toward faithfulness under the Father's eye. This does not require hiding every good work, since some works rightly shine so that God may be glorified. It calls for a settled desire that God's name, truth, and mercy be honored through what we do. Such sincerity frees us from measuring devotion by notice, titles, or visible distinction.
Bible Verses Related to Matthew 23:5
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:”
- Numbers 15:38
“And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.”
- Deuteronomy 6:8
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
- Matthew 6:1
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
- Matthew 23:11
Where Matthew 23:5 Echoes in Scripture
Matthew 6:1 closely echoes the warning by cautioning against doing righteous acts before people in order to be seen by them. That earlier teaching supplies the principle expressed here in a particular setting. Jesus speaks there of giving, prayer, and fasting, then directs attention to the Father who sees in secret. Matthew 23:5 shows the same danger among leaders whose religious visibility had become a means of public honor.
How to Apply Matthew 23:5 Today
This verse invites honest attention to the motives mixed into our visible acts of faith. We may serve, give, teach, pray, wear a meaningful reminder, or speak about Scripture in ways that others notice. It is wise to ask whether the desire for recognition is steering the action. Quiet faithfulness can help retrain the heart: serving where no credit is expected, honoring another person's contribution, and giving thanks to God when praise comes. We can also resist judging another person's motives from appearances. Jesus gives this warning first as a searching word for those who practice religion and lead others.
Reflection & Prayer
Where has the wish to be noticed begun to shape a good thing in our life with God? We might pray: "Father in heaven, make our service sincere. Keep Your word near our hearts, teach us to seek Your honor, and give us humble joy in serving where You place us. Amen."