New Testament
Matthew 23:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They pile heavy, crushing burdens on people's shoulders, but they won't lift a finger to help carry the load.
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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.
What Matthew 23:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy. They impose strict rules and heavy burdens on the people, making it difficult for them to follow the faith. However, these leaders do not offer any assistance or support to help the people bear these burdens. Instead of guiding and uplifting, they only add to the struggles of the faithful. This highlights a significant issue in religious leadership: the tendency to prioritize rules over compassion. Jesus calls for a more caring and supportive approach to faith, where leaders actively help others rather than just demanding adherence to laws. The verse serves as a reminder that true leadership in faith involves empathy and a willingness to share in the struggles of others, rather than simply enforcing rules without consideration for the people's well-being.
How to apply Matthew 23:4 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on how we treat others, especially in positions of authority. Instead of imposing strict rules, we should strive to support and uplift those around us. Practicing empathy and offering help can make a significant difference in the lives of others, fostering a more compassionate community.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 23:4 mean?
Matthew 23:4 means that Jesus is criticizing religious leaders for placing heavy burdens on people without offering any help. They enforce strict rules but do not support the faithful in following them.
What is the meaning of 'heavy burdens' in Matthew 23:4?
In Matthew 23:4, 'heavy burdens' refers to the strict and difficult rules imposed by religious leaders that make it hard for people to practice their faith. These burdens are often more about maintaining authority than helping individuals.
How does Matthew 23:4 apply to modern leadership?
Matthew 23:4 applies to modern leadership by reminding leaders to prioritize support and empathy over strict rule enforcement. It encourages leaders to help those they lead rather than just impose demands.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 23:4?
The lesson from Matthew 23:4 is to practice compassion and support in our interactions with others, especially in positions of authority. It teaches the importance of helping others bear their burdens instead of just enforcing rules.
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