Matthew 23:5
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All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
But all their works they do for to be seen of men--Whatever good they do, or zeal they show, has but one motive--human applause. they make broad their phylacteries--strips of parchment with Scripture--texts on them, worn on the forehead, arm, and side, in time of prayer. and enlarge the borders of their garments--fringes of their upper garments (Num 15:37-40).
Open source ↗23:5 prayer boxes: Pious Jews wore, on the head and upper left arm, a small pouch or box (phylactery) containing written copies of important Old Testament commands (see Deut 6:6-9; 11:18-19). • Wearing tassels was another custom associated with piety (see Matt 9:20; see also Num 15:38-41). Lengthening the tassels called attention to their wearer’s pious practices.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.
Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear.
It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.
He who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is a man of truth; in Him there is no falsehood.
Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.