Matthew 23:6

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Matthew 23:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

and love the chief place at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the things desired by them are the first places at feasts, and the chief seats in the Synagogues,

Free Bible Version FBV

They love to have the places of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And loue the chiefe place at feastes, and to haue the chiefe seates in the assemblies,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

they love also the chief couches in the supper, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

World English Bible WEB

and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues,

Translation for Translators T4T

They want people to honor them. For example, at dinner parties they sit in the seats where the most important people sit. In the places of worship they want to sit in the seats where the most honored people sit.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 23:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 23:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK φιλουσιν τε την πρωτοκλισιαν εν τοις δειπνοις και τας πρωτοκαθεδριας εν ταις συναγωγαις

φιλουσιν phileō G5368 to love Verb-PAI-3P

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF

πρωτοκλισιαν prōtoklisia G4411 place of honor Noun-ASF-S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

τοις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPN

δειπνοις deipnon G1173 dinner Noun-DPN

και kai G2532 and Conj

τας ho G3588 the/this/who Art-APF

πρωτοκαθεδριας prōtokathedria G4410 seat of honor Noun-APF-S

εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep

ταις ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DPF

συναγωγαις sunagōgē G4864 synagogue Noun-DPF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 23:6

φιλουσιν phileō G5368 "to love" Verb-PAI-3P

This verb means to have a strong affection or love for someone or something, as seen in John 11:3. It describes a personal attachment or sentimental feeling towards a person or object. The Bible uses this word to describe friendships and relationships.

Definition: φιλέω, -ῶ (φίλος), [in LXX: Gen.27:4, 9, al. (אָהַב), Gen.27:27, al. (נָשַׁק), La 1:2 (רֵעַ) Wis.8:2, al. ;] __1. to love (with the love of emotion and friendship, Lat, amare; v, SYN.): with accusative of person(s), Mat.10:37, Jhn.5:20; Jhn.11:3, 36 15:19 16:27 20:2 21:15-17, 1Co.16:22, Rev.3:19; ἐν πίστει, Tit.3:15; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.23:6, Luk.20:46, Jhn.12:25, Rev.22:15; with inf. (Isa.56:10; cf. Bl., § 69, 4), Mat.6:5. __2. to kiss: with accusative of person(s), Mat.26:48, Mrk.14:44, Luk.22:47 (cf. κατα-φιλέω).† SYN.: ἀγαπάω ω (which see), the love of duty and respect (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: kiss, love See also: 1 Corinthians 16:22; John 21:17; Revelation 3:19.

τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle

A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.

Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πρωτοκλισιαν prōtoklisia G4411 "place of honor" Noun-ASF-S

This word means the place of honor at a dinner table, where the most important guest sits, as described in Matthew 23:6 and Luke 14:7-8. It represents a position of high esteem and privilege.

Definition: πρωτο-κλυτία, -ας, ἡ the chief place at table (see Swete, Mk., l.with): Mat.23:6, Mrk.12:39, Luk.14:7-8 20:46.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5 NT verses. KJV: chief (highest, uppermost) room See also: Luke 14:7; Luke 20:46; Matthew 23:6.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.

Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.

τοις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPN

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

δειπνοις deipnon G1173 "dinner" Noun-DPN

Dinner refers to the main meal of the day, usually eaten in the evening, as in Matthew 23:6. This noun is used to describe the chief meal of the day. It can also be used to describe a feast or supper.

Definition: δεῖπνον, -ου, τό [in LXX chiefly for פַּת־בַּג (Da) ;] the chief meal of the day, dinner, supper: Mat.23:6, Mrk.12:39, Luk.14:17, 24 20:46, Jhn.13:2, 4 21:20, 1Co.11:21; δ. ποιεῖν, Mrk.6:21, Luk.14:12, 16, Jhn.12:2; κυριακὸν (which see) δ., 1Co.11:20; metaphorically (Dalman, Words, 118), δ. τ. γάμου τ. ἀρνίου, Rev.19:9; δ. τ. μέγα τ. Θεοῦ, Rev.19:17.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: feast, supper See also: 1 Corinthians 11:20; Luke 14:17; Revelation 19:9.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

τας ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-APF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

πρωτοκαθεδριας prōtokathedria G4410 "seat of honor" Noun-APF-S

The Greek word for the seat of honor, given to important people like religious leaders, as seen in Matthew 23:6 and Mark 12:39. It refers to the best seat in a room. In the Bible, it symbolizes prestige and respect.

Definition: πρωτοκαθεδρία, -ας, ἡ (πρῶιος, καθέδρα), the chief seat: Mat.23:6, Mrk.12:39 (see Swete, in l), Luk.11:43 20:46.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: chief (highest, uppermost) seat See also: Luke 11:43; Mark 12:39; Matthew 23:6.

εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep

ταις ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DPF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

συναγωγαις sunagōgē G4864 "synagogue" Noun-DPF

This word refers to a gathering or assembly of people, like a synagogue in Luke 12:11 and Acts 9:2. It can also describe a Christian church, emphasizing the idea of people coming together. The Bible uses this word to describe both Jewish and Christian assemblies.

Definition: συν-αγωγή, -ῆς, ἡ [in LXX chiefly for עֵדָה, also for קָהָל, etc. ;] prop., a bringing together; __1. of things, __(a) a gathering in of harvest; __(b) a collection of money. __2. Of persons, __(a) a collecting, assembling (Polyb.); __(b) an assembly (MM, xxiv; Deiss., LAE, 101 ff.): Rev.2:9 3:9; esp. of a Jewish religious assembly, a synagogue: Luk.12:11, Act.9:2, al.; of a Christian assembly, Jas.2:2. By meton., of the building in which the assembly is held, a synagogue: Mat.10:17, Mrk.1:21, al. (cf. Cremer, see word ἐκκλησία) SYN.: ἐκκλησία (which see) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 57 NT verses. KJV: assembly, congregation, synagogue See also: Acts 6:9; Luke 4:38; James 2:2.

Study Notes — Matthew 23:6

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Context
Cross References
Matthew 23:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Matthew 23:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 23:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 23:6
Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 23:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 23:6
Cambridge Bible on Matthew 23:6
Barnes' Notes on Matthew 23:6
Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 23:6
Sermons on Matthew 23:6

Context — Woes to Scribes and Pharisees

4They 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. 5All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

6They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues,

7the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed. 8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	3 John 1:9	I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.
2	Luke 11:43–54	Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without even noticing.” One of the experts in the law told Him, “Teacher, when You say these things, You insult us as well.” “Woe to you as well, experts in the law!” He replied. “You weigh men down with heavy burdens, but you yourselves will not lift a finger to lighten their load. Woe to you! You build tombs for the prophets, but it was your fathers who killed them. So you are witnesses consenting to the deeds of your fathers: They killed the prophets, and you build their tombs. Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’ As a result, this generation will be charged with the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. Woe to you experts in the law! For you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, waiting to catch Him in something He might say.
3	Mark 12:38–39	In His teaching Jesus also said, “Watch out for the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, to receive greetings in the marketplaces, and to have the chief seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.
4	Luke 14:7–11	When Jesus noticed how the guests chose the places of honor, He told them a parable: “When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
5	Luke 20:46–47	“Beware of the scribes. They like to walk around in long robes, and they love the greetings in the marketplaces, the chief seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at banquets. They defraud widows of their houses, and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will receive greater condemnation.”
6	James 2:1–4	My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
7	Proverbs 25:6–7	Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men; for it is better that he says to you, “Come up here!” than that you should be demoted in the presence of the prince. Even what you have seen with your own eyes,
8	Romans 12:10	Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
9	Matthew 20:21	“What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.”

Matthew 23:6 Summary

[Jesus is teaching us that it's not good to seek honor and recognition from others, but instead, we should focus on serving and loving God and others, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. The Pharisees loved to be seen as important and respected, but this desire for prestige can lead to hypocrisy and a focus on outward appearances, as warned against in 1 Samuel 16:7. We should strive to be humble and genuine in our faith, seeking to please God rather than men, as taught in Galatians 1:10. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of service and love, and truly follow Jesus' teachings.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jesus mean by 'the places of honor at banquets' in Matthew 23:6?

Jesus is referring to the desire for prestige and recognition that the Pharisees had, seeking to be honored and respected by others, as seen in their actions described in Matthew 23:5, where they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels to be seen by men.

Why are the chief seats in the synagogues significant in this verse?

The chief seats in the synagogues represent a position of authority and respect, which the Pharisees coveted, as mentioned in Matthew 23:6, and this desire for power and prestige is also warned against in James 2:1-4, where favoritism is condemned.

How does this verse relate to the overall message of Matthew 23?

This verse is part of Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees' hypocrisy and love of power, as seen in Matthew 23:4, where they tie up heavy burdens but do not lift a finger to help, and is a call to humility and service, as taught in Matthew 20:26-28, where true greatness is found in serving others.

What can we learn from the Pharisees' love of honor and recognition?

We can learn that a desire for prestige and recognition can lead to hypocrisy and a focus on outward appearances, as warned against in 1 Samuel 16:7, where God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, and instead, we should strive for humility and a genuine love for God and others, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40, where love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I seek recognition or honor from others, and how can I surrender these desires to God?
How can I balance a desire for respect and authority with a humble and servant-hearted attitude, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28?
In what ways do I prioritize outward appearances or prestige over genuine faith and obedience, and what changes can I make to focus on what truly matters to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7?
How can I use my position or influence to serve and uplift others, rather than seeking to elevate myself, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40?
What are some practical ways that I can cultivate humility and a heart of service in my daily life, as seen in Philippians 2:3-8?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 23:6

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts,.... Or the first and chief places to sit, or lie down on, at ordinary meals, and especially at large entertainments, where the great ones sat, as in 1 Samuel

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 23:6

And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And love the uppermost rooms. The word "room" is now obsolete in the sense here intended.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 23:6

See Poole on "".

Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 23:6

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, Ver. 6. And love the uppermost rooms] Which is a singular vanity, and yet hath bred greatest contestation in the Church; as between the bishops of Rome and Constantinople, the archbishops of Canterbury and York jostling in parliament for precedence, even unto blows and bloodshed: what doleful effects followed upon the contention between the Lord Protector and his brother in King Edward VI’ s days, raised by their ambitious wives, who could not agree about place! The apostle’ s rule is, "in honour to prefer one another," Romans 12:10. And true humility is like true balm, that still in water sinks to the bottom; like the violet, the sweetest but lowest of flowers, which hangs the head downwards, and hides itself with its own leaves.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 23:6

(6) The uppermost rooms.—Better, the first places, the word “room,” which had that meaning at the time when the English version was made, having now become identical with “chamber.” Strictly speaking, they would be the first places, nearest to the host, on the couches or ottomans (as we have learnt to call them from their modern Eastern use) on which the guests reclined, these being assigned (as in the case of “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” in John 13:23) to the most favoured guests. The chief seats in the synagogues.—These were at the upper or Jerusalem end of the synagogue (corresponding to the east end of most Christian churches), where was the ark, or chest that contained the Law. These were given, either by common consent or by the elders of the synagogue, to those who were most conspicuous for their devotion to the Law, and as such, were coveted as a mark of religious reputation.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 23:6

6. the uppermost rooms] i. e. “the most honourable seats.” The Jews, like the Romans, reclined at meals on couches, called triclinia—each containing three seats—and each seat having its special dignity. The seats on the triclinia are here called “rooms.”

Barnes' Notes on Matthew 23:6

The uppermost rooms at feasts - The word “rooms,” here, by no means expresses the meaning of the original. It would be correctly rendered the uppermost “places or couches” at feasts.

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 23:6

6. And love the uppermost — Our Lord here explains the motive of all this display of external holiness and ultra Judaism. They desired to establish and enjoy the privileges of a religious caste or hierarchy.

Sermons on Matthew 23:6

	Sermon	Description
	Nigeria - Part 2 by Andrew Strom	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and self-promotion among church leaders. He emphasizes the need for humility and servanthood in the Christian faith. The sp
	Why Do Preachers Lie? by Carter Conlon	This sermon delves into the dangers of preachers lying and the consequences of not heeding the true voice of God. It contrasts the fate of two kings, one who pretended strength but
	The Apostate Clergymen by James R. Hamilton	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the danger of focusing on presentation and humor rather than the message of the Gospel. He criticizes the tendency to prioritize impressivene
	Pharisees Love Positions and Titles of Honour by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen addresses the issue of pride and the desire for honor among church leaders, particularly highlighting the behavior of Pharisees who seek prominent positions and titles.
	1 John 2:16 by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the dangers of worldly desires as outlined in 1 John 2:16, warning against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. He explains that
	Steering by Gods Compass by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon on love, the preacher delves into the concept of 'phileo' love, which is a friendship type of love based on emotions and personal attachment. 'Phileo' is a love that
	Epistle 42 by George Fox	George Fox addresses all Friends scattered abroad, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see Him as their Savior and grow in Him. He empha