Matthew 23:2

Matthew 23:2, in plain English

Jesus acknowledges that the religious teachers and Pharisees have a real position of authority. They sit in the official teaching seat of Moses.

Why it's here

Jesus isn't dismissing their role. He's saying their position is real, which makes the contrast with their behavior even more striking.

Who's speaking

Jesus is speaking about the religious leaders to the crowd, setting up a vital distinction.

Where it sits in the story

Jesus gives credit where it's due. These leaders hold an important position. But as you're about to hear, having authority and using it well are two very different things.

The scholarly reading

Jesus acknowledges the scribes' and Pharisees' legitimate teaching authority: they 'sit in Moses' seat' (kathedras Moseos), a term for the authoritative chair in synagogues from which Torah was taught. This refers to their institutional role as Torah interpreters.

Language and setting

By affirming their positional authority, Jesus sets up a critical distinction between the office they hold and how they conduct themselves in it.

Voice

Jesus speaks about the scribes and Pharisees in the third person while addressing the crowds.

Significance

Jesus begins with a surprising acknowledgment: these leaders have legitimate authority. But this only makes their hypocrisy worse, as His next words will reveal.

1Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples:

2“The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

3So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

4They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Read all of Matthew 23 — Seven devastating woes crash down on the religious establishment. Jesus doesn't whisper his critique — he thunders it.