Ancient literary text
Matthew 23:5–6
Gospel of Matthew. His article does not name an edition. The Latin checked here is the public-domain Vulgate.
The verses describe religious display. They name no year.
- Citation
- Matthew 23:5–6 in the same CCEL Vulgate file. Ellis does not say he used it.
- Locator
- Matthew 23:5–6
What the source says
The Latin says they broaden their phylacteries and enlarge the fringes so as to be seen, and that they love the first places at dinners and the first seats in the synagogues. No rebel leader is named.
Why it is here
Ellis cites them, with Mark 12:38–39, in Jesus, King of Edessa.
Ralph’s interpretation
The person criticised here is identified as Ben Zizit Hakeseth, a leader of the Jewish Revolt in the AD 60s. The name is not in the verse.
Alternative readings
The usual reading takes the verses as a general charge against scribes and Pharisees. His file does not name a scholar who makes that reading.