What does Matthew 23:4 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Matthew is part of a critique Jesus makes against the Pharisees and scribes, who were religious authorities in Jewish society.

In this passage, Jesus is admonishing these leaders for their legalism and hypocrisy.

The "heavy burdens" refer to the strict and elaborate interpretations of the Jewish Law that the Pharisees insisted people follow.

These rules were often so detailed and difficult to obey that they became a great burden to the average person trying to live a religious life.

The phrase "grievous to be borne" accentuates the idea that these burdens were more than just inconvenient; they were exceedingly oppressive.

The second part, "but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers," exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, they imposed demanding standards on others that they themselves were not willing to lift a finger to assist with or follow.

Historical Context

During the first century CE, the period in which Jesus lived and the Gospel of Matthew was written, Judaism was marked by various sects, of which the Pharisees were one.

The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Torah, as well as the oral traditions that had been passed down and expanded through generations.

These rules dictated many aspects of daily life and were meant to keep the Jewish people faithful to the Law.

However, the Pharisees had a reputation for being legalistic and for emphasizing the letter of the Law over its spirit.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse can be viewed from different perspectives:

• Conservative Viewpoint: Some might see it as a call to return to the simplicity of the Scriptures and a warning against the dangers of legalism.
• Liberal Viewpoint: Others could interpret it as an emphasis on the principle of grace over law, suggesting a more forgiving and less rigid approach to spirituality.
• Social Justice Viewpoint: From this perspective, the verse could underpin the responsibility of religious leaders not to overburden their congregation and to be advocates for lifting societal pressures that detract from a compassionate community.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in modern life in several ways:

• In religious contexts, clergy and lay leaders can be mindful of not imposing onerous expectations on their congregations.
• In the workplace, leaders can be careful not to demand excessive workloads from employees while not contributing fairly themselves.
• On a personal level, individuals can be attentive to the ways they might expect others to adhere to standards that they themselves do not uphold.

Cross-References

• Luke 11:46: "And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers."
• Acts 15:10: "Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?"

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• "φορτίζω" (phortizō): Often translated as "bind" or "load up," this verb conveys the act of loading up as one would a pack animal.
• "βαρύς" (barys): Meaning "heavy" or "weighty," indicating the severity of the burdens.
• "δυσβάστακτος" (dysbastaktos): This compound word derived from "difficult" (δυσ-) and "to bear" (βάστακτος), typically translated as "grievous to be borne."

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This critique of religious leadership is not unique to the Christian tradition.

In many other cultures, religious authorities have been criticized when they do not practice what they preach or when they place undue burdens on their followers.

For example, in the Hindu epic, the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna advises against hypocritical behavior and empty rituals, much in the spirit of Jesus’ admonishment of the Pharisees.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse doesn’t directly engage with scientific ideas, one could consider the psychological implications of placing burdens on individuals.

Modern psychology recognizes that overwhelming expectations and stress can lead to psychosomatic illnesses, anxiety, and other health issues, interconnected with the spiritual wellness that Jesus might have been advocating for.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have weighed in on Matthew 23:4:

• John Calvin pointed out the contradiction in the Pharisees teaching others numerous things, without providing any help in bearing those burdens.
• William Barclay mentioned the "scribes and Pharisees" piling up regulations and insisting on the most minute observance while having no intention of personally doing anything about them.
• **Craig S.

Keener** suggests that Jesus critiques the religious leaders for their failure to practice what they preach, rather than critiquing the Law itself.