FocusHumility instead of display
Connection to the wholeJesus distinguishes what hearers should heed from the leaders' conduct, warning His disciples against pride and religious display.
interpretation Matthew 23:8
KJVBut be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Read it in context
Teaching and example
Start reading at Matthew 23:1 (Matthew 23:1 to Matthew 23:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Jesus distinguishes what hearers should heed from the leaders' conduct, warning His disciples against pride and religious display.
- 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
- 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
- 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
- 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
- 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
- 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
- 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
- 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
- 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
- 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
- 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
- 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 23:1–23:39): Jesus speaks to the crowds and His disciples, pronouncing woes against the scribes and Pharisees and lamenting Jerusalem. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Teaching and example. Read Matthew 23:1 through Matthew 23:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Jesus distinguishes what hearers should heed from the leaders' conduct, warning His disciples against pride and religious display. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Teaching and example (Matthew 23:1 to Matthew 23:12). Start reading at Matthew 23:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 23:1, Matthew 23:12, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- be Matt 23:10 2 Cor 1:24 2 Cor 4:5 Jas 3:1 1 Pet 5:3
- one Matt 10:25 Matt 17:5 Matt 26:49 John 13:13-14 Rom 14:9-10 1 Cor 1:12-13 1 Cor 3:3-5
- all Luke 22:32 Eph 3:15 Col 1:1-2 Rev 1:9 Rev 19:10 Rev 22:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 23
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Woes against hypocrisy
Matthew 23:13–36FocusJudgment on false leadership
Connection to the wholeThe woes expose outward religion joined to injustice and resistance to God's messengers, preparing the lament and coming judgment.
interpretation Lament over Jerusalem
Matthew 23:37–39FocusRefused gathering
Connection to the wholeJesus' lament expresses the tragedy of rejection and leads into the temple discourse beginning in chapter 24.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.