So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
Parallel translations
- WEB All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
- KJV All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
- ESV so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.
- NKJV Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
- NASB Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them.
- NLT So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
The people should heed what these leaders rightly teach from the Law, but not imitate their behavior, because they preach without practicing. It warns against hypocrisy that says one thing and does another.
Overview
Jesus distinguishes the leaders' valid teaching of God's Law from their failure to live by it. Disciples are to honor the truth they convey while rejecting their inconsistent example. This exposes the deep danger of hypocrisy and prepares for the gospel truth that true righteousness comes not from outward conformity but from a changed heart Christ alone gives.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 14
- 2 Tim 3:5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
- Titus 1:16They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.
- Rom 2:19–24if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,
- Acts 5:29But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.
- Rom 13:1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
- Ps 50:16–20To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips?
- Deut 17:9–12You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.
- Matt 21:30Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go.
- 2 Chr 30:12Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.
- Exod 18:23If you follow this advice and God so directs you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people can go home in peace.”
- Exod 18:19–20Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their causes to Him.
- Matt 15:2–9“Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.”
- Deut 4:5See, I have taught you statutes and ordinances just as the LORD my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land that you are about to enter and possess.
- Deut 5:27Go near and listen to all that the LORD our God says. Then you can tell us everything the LORD our God tells you; we will listen and obey.”
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King — son of David, son of Abraham — the new Moses and true Israel in whom every prophecy reaches 'that it might be fulfilled.'
How Matthew 23:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.