But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

MATTHEW 23:5KJV
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Matthew 23:5 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:5 mean?

Matthew 23:5 describes how some religious leaders do their good deeds mainly to be noticed by other people, making a show of their religious symbols and clothing to appear especially devout. Jesus is pointing out that their actions are motivated by a desire for public attention rather than genuine faith.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples about the scribes and Pharisees, criticizing their focus on outward appearances. He mentions specific practices: making their "phylacteries" (small boxes containing Scripture worn during prayer) extra wide and enlarging the decorative borders of their garments, both traditional signs of piety. Jesus highlights that their main concern is being seen and admired, not sincere devotion.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:5

  • "θεαθῆναι" (theathēnai, "to be seen"): This word is about being noticed or observed by others, emphasizing that the motivation for these actions is public recognition rather than private faith.
  • "φυλακτήρια" (phylaktēria, "phylacteries"): These are small leather boxes containing Scripture verses, worn during prayer. Making them "broad" (πλατύνουσι, platynousi) suggests an effort to look more religious than others.
  • "κράσπεδα" (kraspeda, "borders"): This refers to the fringes or tassels on garments, a traditional sign of obedience to God's law. Enlarging them was a way to display extra piety.

Why Matthew 23:5 matters

  • Matthew 23:5 clarifies that Jesus is not criticizing religious symbols themselves, but the use of them for show and self-promotion.
  • The verse helps explain the broader theme of Matthew 23, where Jesus warns against hypocrisy and outward-only religion among leaders.
  • Understanding the specific practices mentioned—phylacteries and garment borders—shows how even good traditions can be twisted if the heart is focused on impressing others rather than honoring God.

Where else these words appear

“broad” Greek G4115 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 6:11 O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:13 Now for a recompence in the same,(I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged.

“borders” Greek G2899 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 9:20 And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:
  • Matthew 14:36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
  • Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

“enlarge” Greek G3170 · used in 8 verses

  • Luke 1:46 And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
  • Acts 5:13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
  • Acts 19:17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

“seen” Greek G2300 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
  • Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
  • Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.