The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. They are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, often in the context of their interactions and confrontations with Jesus Christ. One of the notable criticisms Jesus directed at the Pharisees was their practice of making broad their phylacteries, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.

Phylacteries Defined

Phylacteries, known in Hebrew as "tefillin," are small leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with specific passages from the Torah, including Exodus 13:1-16 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21. These passages emphasize the importance of remembering and obeying God's commandments. The practice of wearing phylacteries is derived from a literal interpretation of these texts, which instruct the faithful to bind the words of God as a sign on their hands and between their eyes.

Biblical Reference

In Matthew 23:5, Jesus addresses the behavior of the Pharisees, stating, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels." . This critique highlights the Pharisees' tendency to perform religious acts for the sake of public recognition and admiration rather than genuine devotion to God.

Cultural and Religious Context

The Pharisees' practice of broadening their phylacteries can be understood within the broader context of their emphasis on external observance of the law. By enlarging their phylacteries, they sought to display their piety and commitment to the commandments more conspicuously. This practice was likely intended to demonstrate their zeal for the law and to distinguish themselves as particularly devout among the Jewish community.

Jesus' Critique

Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees' broad phylacteries is part of a larger rebuke of their hypocrisy and legalism. In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their focus on outward appearances and their neglect of the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). By emphasizing the external aspects of religious observance, the Pharisees were missing the heart of the law, which is love for God and neighbor.

Theological Implications

The critique of the Pharisees' broad phylacteries serves as a caution against the dangers of religious formalism and the temptation to seek human approval over divine approval. It underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and the need for a heart aligned with God's will. Jesus' teachings call believers to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, one that transcends mere ritual and is characterized by genuine love and obedience.

Conclusion

The Pharisees' practice of making broad their phylacteries is a vivid illustration of the tension between external religious observance and internal spiritual devotion. Jesus' rebuke serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of aligning one's heart with the true spirit of God's commandments.Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... For, in the language of our Lord, the Pharisees made "broad their phylacteries,"
and "enlarged the borders of their garments." The latter observance, at least ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ...
... reputation for sanctity]: for they make broad their phylacteries [Literally,
preservatives ... The Pharisees made the leather case large, that their righteousness ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cx jesus last public discourse.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... their hands, to which they made frequent reference ... one of their fingers." The Pharisees
enjoined a ... seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

Hypocrisy
... widows' houses, and, for a pretence made long prayers ... to cast stones at the Pharisees
of old ... going in long clothing, making broad their phylacteries, the written ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxxvii hypocrisy.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... fringes,' although, by way of ostentation, the Pharisees made them particularly
wide so as to attract attention, just as they made their phylacteries broad. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Pharisee and Publican
... "I was of the strictest sect, of the Pharisees," says Paul. ... "They made broad (as
our Lord informs us) the borders of their phylacteries," they had pieces ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the pharisee and publican.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... He made them show him the image on the coin: "Render ... "The scribes and Pharisees sit
in ... they do to be seen of men; they make broad their phylacteries,[1] enlarge ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... party would, of course, tend in broad, and often ... To the Pharisees there were questions
of dogmatic ... and even national importance involved, which made the barest ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... to His disciples, saying, The Scribes and the Pharisees sit in ... And since He had made
mention of "the Lord" and ... For they make broad their phylacteries," He saith ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm

The Historical Situation
... The Pharisees could make void the command, Honor thy father, by ... Their theory of religion
gave abundant room for a piety which made broad its phylacteries ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

What is the leaven of the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org

Why did John the Baptist refer to the Pharisees as a brood of vipers? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jesus refer to the Pharisees as a “child of hell” in Matthew 23:15? | GotQuestions.org

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