And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

MATTHEW 23:6KJV
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Matthew 23:6 (KJV)

What does Matthew 23:6 mean?

Matthew 23:6 describes how certain religious leaders loved to have the best places at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues. The verse points out their desire for public recognition and honor in social and religious settings.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to the crowds and his disciples about the scribes and Pharisees. He highlights how these leaders seek special treatment and status symbols, rather than focusing on humility or service. This verse is part of a larger warning against pride and showiness in religious life.

The Greek behind Matthew 23:6

  • "Rooms" (πρωτοκλισία, prōtoklisia): This word refers to the places of highest honor at a meal, often reserved for distinguished guests. It shows that the leaders wanted to be seen as important in social gatherings.
  • "Seats" (πρωτοκαθεδρία, prōtokathedria): This term means the chief or most prominent seats, especially in the synagogue, where sitting in front signified high status. It highlights their desire for visible religious authority.
  • "Love" (φιλέω, phileō): The Greek word used here means to have great affection for or to take pleasure in something. It emphasizes that their motivation was not just acceptance, but a strong preference for recognition.

Why Matthew 23:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus is not just criticizing specific actions, but the underlying attitude of seeking honor and recognition.
  • It connects to the broader context of Matthew 23, where Jesus warns against hypocrisy and pride among religious leaders.
  • Understanding the cultural meaning of the "uppermost rooms" and "chief seats" helps modern readers see how status and public image played a role in religious life at the time.

Where else these words appear

“seats” Greek G4410 · used in 4 verses

  • Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
  • Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.
  • Luke 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts;

“rooms” Greek G4411 · used in 5 verses

  • Mark 12:39 And the chief seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts:
  • Luke 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,
  • Luke 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;

“feasts” Greek G1173 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 6:21 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee;
  • Luke 14:24 For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
  • John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

“love” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.