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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and they love the chief place at the banquets, and the first seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They love the place of distinction <i>and</i> honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They love the place of honor at banquets, the front seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They love the best seats at banquets and the front seats in the synagogues. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They love the place of honor at dinners and the front seats in synagogues.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They love the best places at feasts and the reserved seats in the synagogues; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They love to have the places of honor at festivals, the best seats in the synagogues, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and love the best seats at a dinner party or in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />they also cherish the first couches at the banquets, and the first seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />and they love the chief place at the banquets, and the first seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they love also the chief couches in the supper, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And love the first place at suppers, and the first seat in the assemblies,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they like the chief places at feasts, and the front seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And they love the first class places at feasts and first class seats in the synagogues<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />They also love the most honorable places at suppers, and the first seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and they love the first couch at the suppers, and the first seats in the synagogues,<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />and love the principal couch at suppers, and the chief seats in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and love the best seats at a dinner party or in the synagogues,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and they love the first place in the feasts, and the front seats in the synagogues,<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and love the uppermost places at feasts,<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/23-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6732" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5368.htm" title="5368: philousin (V-PIA-3P) -- From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss.">They love</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4411.htm" title="4411: prōtoklisian (N-AFS) -- From protos and klisia; a reclining first at the dinner-bed, i.e. Preeminence at meals.">places of honor</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">at</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1173.htm" title="1173: deipnois (N-DNP) -- A dinner, an afternoon or evening meal. From the same as dapane; dinner, i.e. The chief meal.">banquets,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4410.htm" title="4410: prōtokathedrias (N-AFP) -- A chief (most honorable) seat. From protos and kathedra; a sitting first, i.e. Preeminence in council.">chief seats</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tais (Art-DFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4864.htm" title="4864: synagōgais (N-DFP) -- From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish synagogue; by analogy, a Christian church.">synagogues,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-43.htm">Luke 11:43</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">Mark 12:38-39</a></span><br />In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, / and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Luke 20:46</a></span><br />“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-1.htm">James 2:1-4</a></span><br />My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. / Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. / If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/3_john/1-9.htm">3 John 1:9</a></span><br />I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Proverbs 25:6-7</a></span><br />Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; / for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Luke 14:7-11</a></span><br />When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: / “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. / Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-25.htm">Matthew 20:25-28</a></span><br />But Jesus called them aside and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. / It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, / and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave— ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a></span><br />Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Romans 12:3</a></span><br />For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a></span><br />Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Isaiah 2:11-12</a></span><br />The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/28-2.htm">Ezekiel 28:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-30.htm">Daniel 4:30-32</a></span><br />the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” / While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you. / You will be driven away from mankind to live with the beasts of the field, and you will feed on grass like an ox. And seven times will pass you by, until you acknowledge that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/20-21.htm">Matthew 20:21</a></b></br> And he said unto her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/25-6.htm">Proverbs 25:6,7</a></b></br> Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great <i>men</i>: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/12-38.htm">Mark 12:38,39</a></b></br> And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and <i>love</i> salutations in the marketplaces, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/5-12.htm">Banquets</a> <a href="/matthew/14-15.htm">Best</a> <a href="/matthew/22-36.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/amos/6-4.htm">Couches</a> <a href="/matthew/21-31.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/matthew/22-11.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/malachi/2-3.htm">Feasts</a> <a href="/matthew/22-38.htm">First</a> <a href="/matthew/19-19.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Important</a> <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Love</a> <a href="/matthew/22-23.htm">Party</a> <a href="/matthew/20-23.htm">Places</a> <a href="/ezekiel/46-19.htm">Rooms</a> <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/revelation/19-17.htm">Supper</a> <a href="/matthew/10-17.htm">Synagogues</a> <a href="/ezekiel/42-6.htm">Uppermost</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/12-39.htm">Banquets</a> <a href="/matthew/27-65.htm">Best</a> <a href="/matthew/26-3.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/mark/7-4.htm">Couches</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">Dinner</a> <a href="/mark/12-39.htm">Feasts</a> <a href="/matthew/23-26.htm">First</a> <a href="/mark/6-4.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/matthew/23-17.htm">Important</a> <a href="/matthew/23-7.htm">Love</a> <a href="/mark/2-3.htm">Party</a> <a href="/matthew/23-7.htm">Places</a> <a href="/matthew/24-26.htm">Rooms</a> <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">Seats</a> <a href="/mark/6-21.htm">Supper</a> <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">Synagogues</a> <a href="/mark/12-39.htm">Uppermost</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They love the places of honor at banquets</b><br>In the cultural context of first-century Judea, banquets were significant social events where seating arrangements reflected social status and honor. The Pharisees and religious leaders sought these places of honor to display their perceived righteousness and importance. This behavior contrasts with Jesus' teachings on humility and servanthood, as seen in <a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Luke 14:7-11</a>, where He advises taking the lowest place at a feast. The desire for recognition and status is a recurring theme in Jesus' critiques of the Pharisees, highlighting their focus on outward appearances rather than inward righteousness.<p><b>the chief seats in the synagogues</b><br>Synagogues served as central places of worship and community gathering in Jewish society. The chief seats were located at the front, facing the congregation, and were reserved for respected leaders and teachers. By seeking these seats, the Pharisees demonstrated a desire for public recognition and authority. This behavior is criticized by Jesus, who emphasizes the importance of humility and genuine faith over public displays of piety. The critique aligns with other scriptural teachings, such as <a href="/james/2.htm">James 2:1-4</a>, which warns against showing favoritism based on status or appearance.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharisees_and_scribes.htm">Pharisees and Scribes</a></b><br>Religious leaders in Jesus' time who were known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions. They are the primary subjects of Jesus' critique in this passage.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/banquets.htm">Banquets</a></b><br>Social gatherings that were common in Jewish culture, often involving meals and discussions. Places of honor at these events were highly sought after as a sign of status.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/synagogues.htm">Synagogues</a></b><br>Jewish places of worship and community gathering. The chief seats were reserved for those of high status and were a symbol of honor and respect.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The speaker of this passage, who is addressing the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the behavior of the Pharisees and scribes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where Jesus is delivering this message, a central place for Jewish religious life and authority.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>The Pharisees' love for places of honor highlights the human tendency towards pride and self-exaltation. Believers are called to examine their own hearts for similar desires.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/true_honor_comes_from_god.htm">True Honor Comes from God</a></b><br>While the world may value status and recognition, true honor is bestowed by God. Christians should seek to please God rather than men.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_community.htm">Humility in Community</a></b><br>In church and community settings, believers should practice humility, valuing others above themselves and avoiding the pursuit of status.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/servant_leadership.htm">Servant Leadership</a></b><br>Jesus models servant leadership, where greatness is defined by service to others rather than by position or title.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Regular self-examination is necessary to ensure that one's actions and motivations align with the teachings of Christ, rather than the pursuit of personal glory.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_prioritizing_others'_interests.htm">What is the significance of Moses' Seat?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_narcissism.htm">What does the Bible say about narcissism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'virtue_signaling'_mean.htm">What does "virtue signaling" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_'seat_of_moses'.htm">(Matthew 23:2) Is there historical or archaeological evidence for the 'seat of Moses' mentioned here?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">The uppermost rooms.</span>--Better, <span class= "ital">the first places,</span> the word "room," which had that meaning at the time when the English version was made, having now become identical with "chamber." Strictly speaking, they would be the first places, nearest to the host, on the couches or ottomans (as we have learnt to call them from their modern Eastern use) on which the guests reclined, these being assigned (as in the case of "the disciple whom Jesus loved," in <a href="/john/13-23.htm" title="Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.">John 13:23</a>) to the most favoured guests.<p><span class= "bld">The chief seats in the synagogues.</span>--These were at the upper or Jerusalem end of the synagogue (corresponding to the east end of most Christian churches), where was the ark, or chest that contained the Law. These were given, either by common consent or by the elders of the synagogue, to those who were most conspicuous for their devotion to the Law, and as such, were coveted as a mark of religious reputation.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The uppermost rooms;</span> <span class="greek">τὴν</span> <span class="greek">πρωτοκλισίαν</span>: <span class="accented">primos recubitus</span>; <span class="accented">chief place</span> (<a href="/luke/14-7.htm">Luke 14:7</a>). The custom of reclining on cushions set in horseshoe fashion at three sides of the table was now prevalent, the old custom of squatting round a low table, as at present practised in the East, having been long abandoned. The place of honour is said to have been at the upper end of the right side, the president being placed, not in the centre of that end of the table which faced the opening, but at the side. The most honoured guest would be at his right hand (but see on Matthew 26:23). There was often much manoeuvring to obtain this post, and many petty squabbles about precedence arose on every festal occasion (see <a href="/luke/14-1.htm">Luke 14:1, 7</a>, etc.). <span class="cmt_word">The chief seats in the synagogues.</span> The usual arrangement of the synagogue is given by Dr. Edersheim ('Life and Times of Jesus,' 1. pp. 434, etc.). It was built of stone, with an entrance generally on the south, and so arranged that the worshippers might direct their prayers towards Jerusalem. In the centre was placed the lectern of the reader; the women's gallery was at the north end. "The inside plan is generally that of two double colonnades, which seem to have formed the body of the synagogue, the aisles east and west being probably used as passages. At the south end, facing north, is a movable ark, containing the sacred rolls of the Law and the prophets. Right before the ark, and facing the people, are the seats of honour, for the rulers of the synagogue and the honourable." These were the places for which the Pharisees contended, thinking more of gaining these, where they could sit enthroned in the sight of the congregation, than of the Divine worship which nominally they came to offer (comp. <a href="/james/2-2.htm">James 2:2, 3</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">They love</span><br /><span class="grk">φιλοῦσιν</span> <span class="translit">(philousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5368.htm">Strong's 5368: </a> </span><span class="str2">From philos; to be a friend to (an individual or an object), i.e. Have affection for; specially, to kiss.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">places of honor</span><br /><span class="grk">πρωτοκλισίαν</span> <span class="translit">(prōtoklisian)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4411.htm">Strong's 4411: </a> </span><span class="str2">From protos and klisia; a reclining first at the dinner-bed, i.e. Preeminence at meals.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">banquets,</span><br /><span class="grk">δείπνοις</span> <span class="translit">(deipnois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1173.htm">Strong's 1173: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dinner, an afternoon or evening meal. From the same as dapane; dinner, i.e. The chief meal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὰς</span> <span class="translit">(tas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">chief seats</span><br /><span class="grk">πρωτοκαθεδρίας</span> <span class="translit">(prōtokathedrias)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4410.htm">Strong's 4410: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chief (most honorable) seat. From protos and kathedra; a sitting first, i.e. Preeminence in council.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">ταῖς</span> <span class="translit">(tais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">synagogues,</span><br /><span class="grk">συναγωγαῖς</span> <span class="translit">(synagōgais)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4864.htm">Strong's 4864: </a> </span><span class="str2">From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/23-6.htm">Matthew 23:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/23-6.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:6 And love the place of honor at (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>