Matthew 23:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They delight, He states, in taking prominent seats at banquets, in occupying places of honor during gatherings, greeting each other in the marketplace, and seeking to be addressed as Teacher by others. These actions, which some might consider insignificant, are in fact the root of profound harm. They have led to the downfall of both society and the church. My heart aches as I reflect on those initial gatherings and greetings, realizing the numerous adversities that have arisen from them for the body of Christ. However, I will spare you the detailed account of this, especially since those among you with more experience are likely already aware.

Woe to those whom the Lord addresses! Their condemnation arises from their desire to take the lead at banquets and to hold places of honor in the synagogues. What can be said of someone who commits even greater evils? 'They delight in leading in the synagogues.' While the Pharisees ought to exemplify humility, they instead reveal their own wickedness.

Having enlarged their phylacteries and adorned themselves with elaborate fringes in their pursuit of honor among the people, they are criticized for prioritizing prominence, as they desire the places of honor at banquets and the most esteemed seats in the synagogues. They seek admiration from society, indulge in fine foods, and long to be addressed by the crowds as ‘Master,’ a title akin to the Hebrew term Rabbi.

Indeed, these hypocrites possess no true good works, finding pride instead in trivial and inconsequential matters. They delight in seeking dominance at every opportunity, relishing the special seating at banquets, the foremost places at the table, and the honored positions in the synagogues, where they strive to occupy the prominent spots close to the sacred texts. They relish being greeted in public gatherings and receiving esteemed acknowledgments in bustling marketplaces, desiring to be called: TEACHER! TEACHER! Blessed Theophylact reflects, "The words of the Lord clearly prompt us to caution! He rebukes the Pharisees solely because of their love for deceit; if only those who cherish it face condemnation, what fate awaits those who act solely for its sake?" St.

Following this, the Lord departed from the temple, issuing a solemn condemnation towards the Pharisees and the priests who were culpable for the moral decay among the people, accompanied by warnings of impending divine judgment. As He concludes His earthly mission, He expresses that He will persist in acting among them through His servants. However, the Pharisees will also persecute these messengers, as well as those who have previously testified to the truth, thereby increasing the measure of their ancestors' transgressions. Ultimately, this will lead to the manifestation of God's judgment upon the iniquity of Jerusalem.

They delight in receiving recognition in every setting and seek to occupy prominent seats not only in places of worship but also at banquets. This way, when they gather and in communal gatherings, they are welcomed and referred to as instructors.

In Christ's era, the Jewish people did not dine while sitting upright; instead, they took their meals in a semi-reclining position. The table, resembling our own in height, was typically arranged in a U-shape for feasts. Long mats or cushions lined the outer edge, allowing the guests to recline partly while the food was served along the inner side. At times, these mats were sufficiently wide to accommodate three individuals lying side by side (triclinia, cf. Jn. 2:8). Guests reclined on their left sides, positioning their feet away from the table, which allowed for easy and discreet access to one another. The head of one guest could be inclined toward the chest of the one next to them, symbolizing a deep bond of friendship among the diners.

Like many who are consumed by pride, the Pharisees sought various signs of esteem from others; they relished taking their places of honor at feasts, occupying prominent seats at gatherings, receiving greetings in the marketplaces, and being addressed as “Rabbi.” In the tradition of the East, guests would recline on cushions or mats at banquets, with the most desired positions situated centrally. In synagogues, the prime seats were located near the ark where the sacred scrolls were stored. The distinguished title of teacher (rabbi, rabbinical, or the highest honor - rabban) was designated for those who were adept and learned in the law.