Mat 23:5-6, 14 | PNT | STEP | To be seen of men . Instead of touching the burdens with their little finger, by an effort to keep the law in its spirit, their whole object was to appear holy before men. They make broad their phylacteries . A band was drawn over the forehead, or around the arm, and to this was attached a small calfskin box, in which were placed passages of Scripture. For this they quoted . The passages worn so ostentatiously were . To make them "broad" was to enlarge the case contain the Scripture, so as to make it more conspicuous. Enlarge the borders . The fringes worn to remind them "of doing all the commandments", as enjoined in . To enlarge these would make them more conspicuous.

Matthew 23:5-6

To be seen of men. Instead of touching the burdens with their little finger, by an effort to keep the law in its spirit, their whole object was to appear holy before men.

They make broad their phylacteries. A band was drawn over the forehead, or around the arm, and to this was attached a small calfskin box, in which were placed passages of Scripture. For this they quoted Ex 13:16. The passages worn so ostentatiously were Ex 12:2-10 13:11-21 De 6:4-9 11:18-21. To make them "broad" was to enlarge the case contain the Scripture, so as to make it more conspicuous.

Enlarge the borders. The fringes worn to remind them "of doing all the commandments", as enjoined in Nu 15:38. To enlarge these would make them more conspicuous. Love the uppermost rooms at feasts. Rather, "seats". The highest seats at a feast were the places of honor.

Chief seats in the synagogues. The places where the elders sat with their faces to the congregation. They loved the pre-eminence.

Matthew 23:14

Ye devour widows' houses. Devour their property under holy pretenses.