Matthew 23:4

They make hard laws and put great weights on men's backs; but they themselves will not put a finger to them.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

In Context

3All things, then, which they give you orders to do, these do and keep: but do not take their works as your example, for they say and do not.

5But all their works they do so as to be seen by men: for they make wide their phylacteries, and the edges of their robes,

Read all of Matthew 23

Cross References

Matthew 11:28Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest.

Luke 11:46And he said, A curse is on you, teachers of the law! for while other men are crushed under the weight of the rules you make for them, you yourselves do not put so much as one finger to them.

Acts 15:28For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to put on you nothing more than these necessary things;

Revelation 2:24But to you I say, to the rest in Thyatira, even to those who have not this teaching, and have no knowledge of the secrets of Satan, as they say; I put on you no other weight.

Matthew Henry on Matthew 23:2-13

The Scribes and Pharisees Condemned; Cautions against Pride. 1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men:… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Matthew 23:4