The scribes and PhariseesThe scribes and Pharisees were influential Jewish religious leaders during the time of Jesus. The scribes were experts in the Law of Moses, responsible for teaching and interpreting the Scriptures. The Pharisees were a religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They were highly respected by the people for their piety and knowledge. However, Jesus often criticized them for their hypocrisy and legalism, as seen in
Matthew 23. Their role in society was significant, as they were considered authorities on religious matters.
sit in Moses’ seat
"Moses' seat" refers to a position of authority in teaching and interpreting the Law. In synagogues, this was a literal seat where the teacher of the Law would sit. It symbolizes the authority to instruct the people in the ways of God, as Moses did when he received the Law on Mount Sinai. This phrase indicates that the scribes and Pharisees claimed the authority to teach and apply the Law to the people. However, Jesus' critique suggests that while they held this position, their actions did not always align with the true spirit of the Law. This concept of authority is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as inMatthew 5:17-20, where Jesus speaks of fulfilling the Law, and inJohn 5:39-40, where He challenges the leaders to recognize Him as the fulfillment of the Scriptures.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ScribesJewish scholars and teachers of the Law. They were responsible for copying, teaching, and interpreting the Scriptures. They held significant authority in religious matters.
2.
PhariseesA religious and political group in Judaism known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They were influential in the synagogues and among the people.
3.
Moses' SeatA metaphorical term referring to the position of authority in teaching the Law of Moses. It symbolizes the responsibility to interpret and apply the Law to the people.
4.
Jesus' Teaching in the TempleThis event takes place during Jesus' final week in Jerusalem, where He addresses the crowds and His disciples, warning them about the religious leaders' hypocrisy.
5.
JerusalemThe central place of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple, where Jesus often taught and confronted religious leaders.
Teaching Points
Authority and ResponsibilityThose in positions of spiritual authority have a responsibility to teach and live out the truth of God's Word. We must respect their position but also hold them accountable to the standards of Scripture.
Hypocrisy in LeadershipJesus warns against the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees. As believers, we must ensure our actions align with our teachings and beliefs.
Discernment in Following LeadersWhile respecting spiritual leaders, we must exercise discernment and ensure their teachings align with Scripture. Our ultimate allegiance is to God and His Word.
The Importance of Genuine RighteousnessTrue righteousness is not about external adherence to rules but a heart transformed by God's grace. We should strive for authenticity in our faith.
Learning from the PastThe failures of the scribes and Pharisees serve as a warning. We should learn from their mistakes and seek to cultivate a sincere and humble walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 23:2?
2.How can we respect authority while recognizing hypocrisy in Matthew 23:2's context?
3.What does Matthew 23:2 teach about the importance of practicing what we preach?
4.How does Matthew 23:2 connect with Romans 13:1 on respecting authorities?
5.How can we apply Matthew 23:2's message to our church leadership roles?
6.In what ways can Matthew 23:2 guide us in discerning true spiritual authority?
7.What does Matthew 23:2 reveal about the authority of religious leaders?
8.How does Matthew 23:2 challenge the concept of religious hypocrisy?
9.Why does Jesus mention the "seat of Moses" in Matthew 23:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23?
11.(Matthew 23:2) Is there historical or archaeological evidence for the “seat of Moses” mentioned here?
12.What is the significance of Moses' Seat?
13.What is the significance of Moses' Seat?
14.What are the different sects of Judaism?What Does Matthew 23:2 Mean
The scribes and Pharisees• Jesus names two groups already familiar to His listeners. The scribes were scholars who copied and expounded the Law; the Pharisees were a lay movement devoted to strict outward observance (Matthew 15:1-9;Luke 11:42).
• Their public influence was undeniable—people looked to them for instruction (Matthew 5:20).
• Even though Jesus later exposes their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:3-7), He first acknowledges their official role, underscoring that position and personal integrity are not always the same (Romans 2:17-24).
sit• “Sit” pictures the settled posture of a recognized teacher or judge. When Jesus finished reading Isaiah in the synagogue, “He sat down, and the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him” (Luke 4:20).
• The act of sitting to teach implied authority; crowds gathered around Jesus “and He sat down and taught them” (John 8:2).
• By using the same image, Jesus concedes that the scribes and Pharisees occupy a legitimate instructional office, even if they misuse it (James 3:1).
in Moses’ seat• Moses served as Israel’s foundational lawgiver and judge (Exodus 18:13;Deuteronomy 17:9-10). To sit “in Moses’ seat” means occupying the chair of interpretation and application of the Law for the covenant community.
• Jesus later tells the crowd, “So practice and observe everything they tell you, but do not do what they do” (Matthew 23:3). He upholds the Law’s authority while warning against leaders whose lives contradict their teaching (Malachi 2:7-9).
• Practical takeaways:
– Respect God-ordained structures of instruction, provided they stay true to Scripture (Acts 17:11).
– Measure every teacher—ancient or modern—by faithfulness to the written Word, not by charisma or position (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
– Let the Law lead us to Christ, who fulfills it perfectly and invites us to follow Him in both doctrine and deed (Matthew 5:17;John 14:15).
summaryJesus’ words, “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat,” affirm that these leaders held a real teaching office derived from Moses’ role as Israel’s lawgiver. Their position commanded respect, yet their hypocrisy would soon be condemned. We are called to honor the authority of Scripture, heed sound teaching, and let our lives match our words, remembering that true greatness in God’s kingdom flows from humble obedience to His unchanging Word.
(2)
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.--The words were probably spoken of their collective action as represented in the Sanhedrin, rather than of their individual work as interpreters of the Law. As such, they claimed to be the authoritative exponents of the Law, and our Lord recognises (unless we suppose a latent protest in His words, like that which is veiled in the "full well ye reject" of
Mark 7:9) their official claim to reverence.
Verses 2-12. -
The moral character of the scribes and Pharisees, and warning to Christ's disciples.Verse 2. -
The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. In the seat of the great judge and lawgiver. This is stated as an undoubted fact (
ἐκάθισαν), with no idea of blame attached. Literally,
sat on the seat of Moses from time immemorial. These (meaning not individuals, but the collective body) are the authorized expounders and teachers of the Law; their position is assured; they are not to be displaced. The scribes were the party chiefly denoted; they were of the Pharisaical sect; hence the addition, "and the Pharisees," by which is intimated, not that these latter,
qua Pharisees, had any teaching office, but that the former shared their religious opinions. The Sadducees seem to have had no popular influence, and were never recognized as leaders. The Levitical priests never appear in the Gospels as teachers or expositors of the Mosaic system; this function of theirs had devolved upon scribes and lawyers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
“Theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.scribesγραμματεῖς(grammateis)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1122:From gramma. A writer, i.e. scribe or secretary.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.PhariseesΦαρισαῖοι(Pharisaioi)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5330:Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.sitἐκάθισαν(ekathisan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2523:Another form for kathezomai; to seat down, i.e. Set; intransitively, to sit; figuratively, to settle.inἘπὶ(Epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.Moses’Μωϋσέως(Mōuseōs)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475:Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.seat.καθέδρας(kathedras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2515:A seat, chair. From kata and the same as hedraios; a bench.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 23:2 Saying The scribes and the Pharisees sat (Matt. Mat Mt) 
