Matthew 23:3

1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples:

2 “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat.

So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.
KJV
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
WEB
All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and don’t do.
ASV
all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, [these] do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not.
DARBY
all things therefore, whatever they may tell you, do and keep. But do not after their works, for they say and do not,
BLB
Therefore do and observe all things, whatsoever they might tell you⁺. But do not do according to their works, for they speak and do not do.
ÅB
Derfor skal dere gjøre og følge alt det de befaler dere. Men ikke ta etter det de gjør, for de følger ikke selv det de sier.
OTB
Gjør derfor og hold alt de sier til dere, men følg ikke deres eksempel, for de praktiserer ikke det de preker.
B1930
Derfor skal I gjøre og holde alt det de byder eder; men efter deres gjerninger skal I ikke gjøre. For de sier det, men de gjør det ikke;

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Timothy 3:5

    having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

    Read in context
  • Titus 1:16

    They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed.

    Read in context
  • Romans 2:19–24

    if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness,

    Read in context
  • Acts 5:29

    But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

    Read in context
  • Romans 13:1

    Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

    Read in context
  • 2 Chronicles 30:12

    Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.

    Read in context
  • Matthew 21:30

    Then the man went to the second son and told him the same thing. ‘I will, sir,’ he said. But he did not go.

    Read in context
  • Deuteronomy 17:9–12

    You are to go to the Levitical priests and to the judge who presides at that time. Inquire of them, and they will give you a verdict in the case.

    Read in context