Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

MATTHEW 23:2KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 23:2 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:2 mean?

Matthew 23:2 means that Jesus is pointing out how the scribes and the Pharisees have taken on the role of teaching and interpreting the law, a position traditionally associated with Moses. The verse highlights their recognized authority in matters of Jewish law and tradition.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples about the religious leaders of the time. By saying the scribes and Pharisees "sit in Moses' seat," Jesus refers to their official role as interpreters of the law given through Moses. This sets the stage for Jesus to address how these leaders use their authority and what that means for the people listening to them.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:2

  • "Sit" (καθίζω, kathizō): This Greek word means to take a seat or occupy a position. Here, it suggests the scribes and Pharisees have assumed a formal teaching role, not just physically sitting, but holding an office of authority.
  • "Moses' seat" (καθέδρας τοῦ Μωϋσέως, kathedras tou Mōuseōs): This phrase refers to a symbolic place of authority, representing the responsibility to teach and interpret the law as Moses did. It is not a literal chair, but a recognized position within the Jewish community.

Why Matthew 23:2 matters

  • Matthew 23:2 clarifies that Jesus acknowledges the authority of the scribes and Pharisees in teaching the law, even as he will go on to critique their actions and attitudes.
  • The verse helps readers understand the context for the strong warnings and criticisms Jesus gives in the rest of Matthew 23; he is not dismissing the law itself, but addressing how it is being handled.
  • Recognizing the idea of "Moses' seat" helps explain the respect and influence these leaders held, making Jesus' later challenges to their behavior more striking.

Where else these words appear

“seat” Greek G2515 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 21:12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
  • Mark 11:15 And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

“sit” Greek G2523 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 5:1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
  • Luke 4:20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
  • Acts 13:14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

“scribes” Greek G1122 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
  • Matthew 27:41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,
  • Mark 15:31 Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save.

“Moses'” Greek G3475 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
  • Acts 21:21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.