Wednesday, 30 September 2026
But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. Matthew 23:5
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“All, also, the ‘deeds, theirs’, they do to ‘see’, the men. They widen, also, the ‘phylacteries, theirs’, and they enlarge the ‘tassels, the cloaks, theirs’.” (CG)
In the previous verse, Jesus noted that the scribes and Pharisees bind heavy burdens on the shoulders of men, but they are unwilling to move them with one of their own fingers. He continues excoriating them, saying, “All, also, the ‘deeds, theirs’, they do to ‘see’, the men.”
Jesus speaks of this elsewhere, such as people making long, showy prayers for everyone to hear. Some people have attention magnets stuck all over them, begging for everyone around them to see them and notice how interesting and important they are… in their own eyes.
The scribes and Pharisees were a lot like this, wanting everyone to notice them and everything they did. Their deeds were calculated for maximum exposure to the eyes around them. If they brought gifts to the temple, they were the types who would gladly tie bells to them so that with every step they took, the bells would ring and their offering would be seen by everyone – ohhhh, ahhhhh.
You know the types. They fill many churches around the world today. It is a ‘me-centered’ religion, even if it supposedly is directed toward the Lord. Jesus continues, saying, “They widen, also, the ‘phylacteries, theirs’.”
A couple of new words are seen. The first is platunó, to widen, make broad, enlarge, etc. It can be used figuratively, as in opening wide one’s affections. The next new word is phulaktérion. Vincent’s Word Studies describes these –
Phylacteries, called by the Rabbis tephillin, prayer-fillets, were worn on the left arm, toward the heart, and on the forehead. They were capsules containing on parchment these four passages of Scripture: Exodus 13:1-10; Exodus 13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Deuteronomy 11:13-21. That for the head was to consist of a box with four compartments, each containing a slip of parchment inscribed with one of the four passages. Each of these slips was to be tied up with well-washed hair from a calf’s tail; lest, if tied with wool or thread, any fungoid growth should ever pollute them. The phylactery of the arm was to contain a single slip, with the same four passages written in four columns of seven lines each. The black leather straps by which they were fastened were wound seven times round the arm and three times round the hand. They were reverenced by the Rabbis as highly as the scriptures, and, like them, might be rescued from the flames on a Sabbath. They profanely imagined that God wore the tephillin.
Jesus next says, “and they enlarge the ‘tassels, the cloaks, theirs’.”
Another new word is seen, megalunó. It signifies to make or declare great. As such, it can signify to exalt or magnify. In this case, the tassels they were commanded to wear on their garments according to the law were made into long, showy tassels. One gets the sense of “Hey, look at how religious I am! I have super long tassels, proving that I am super fulfilling the law mandated by the Lord through Moses.”
One can almost see them hoping for people to come and get their autographs.
Life application: If you have faith in the Lord, and if you are truly in love with Him and what He has done for you, what more do you need in regard to man’s approval? The answer should be obvious. You don’t need it.
When you have the favor of the King of the universe, there is no need to impress others. Rather, you can spend your time working on a proper relationship with Him. When you fail in one way or another, you are still motivated to work on the relationship through acknowledging your faults and moving on
If you are living your life in this manner, you will find there is neither the time nor the need to impress others. Be content in your faith, and live your life for the Lord. That is a life well spent.
O God, how wonderful it is to know You and to share in Your goodness. Help us to not seek the world’s attention or try to impress others with our faith, except as they want to know why we are filled with joy. In this, may others want to know You personally and intimately. May it be so, to Your glory. Amen.