New Testament

Matthew 23:4

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of His time for their hypocrisy.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

They pile heavy, crushing burdens on people's shoulders, but they won't lift a finger to help carry the load.

KJVKing 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.

Verse Analysis

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

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.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

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