Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 23:7

"and the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called of men, Rabbi." — Matthew 23:7 (ASV)

Jesus now illustrates some of the leaders’ practices not to be copied (v.3b). He accuses them of being time-servers and applause-seekers (6:1–18). “Phylacteries” (v.5) were small leather or parchment boxes containing a piece of vellum inscribed with four texts from the law (Exodus 13:2–10, 11–16; 11:13–21) and were worn on the arm or tied to the forehead (cf. Exodus 13:9, 16; 11:18). To show their piety to the world, these leaders made large, showy phylacteries. The same ostentation affected the length of tassels, worn by all Jews (including Jesus, 9:20; 14:36) on the corners of the outer garment (cf. Numbers 15:37–41).

Seeking a reputation for piety goes with seeking places of honor at great dinners or the most important seats—as close as possible to the law scrolls—in the synagogues. “Rabbi” means “my master” or “my teacher.”