Moses' Seat

Biblical Text

The expression occurs only once, in Matthew 23:2. Jesus says to the crowds and to his disciples: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not" (Matthew 23:2–3). Jesus then rebukes the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, including their laying heavy burdens on others (Matthew 23:4) and their love of the chief seats in the synagogues. Seven pronouncements of "woe" follow.

Background

The Greek word translated "seat" is kathedra, meaning a chair, especially one in which a teacher sits. From this word comes "cathedral," the church that houses the bishop's seat (cathedra). In the Judaism of the time, teachers sat while teaching, and Moses is likewise recorded as sitting to judge the people (Exodus 18:13). The phrase "sit in Moses' seat" is therefore understood to mean occupying the position of one who teaches and interprets the Law of Moses.

Stone chairs have been discovered at several ancient synagogue sites, such as Chorazin in Galilee, and some scholars call them "seats of Moses." These artifacts, however, are generally dated to a period later than the time of Jesus, and scholars disagree about how they were used in the synagogue.

Significance in the Whole of Scripture

Matthew affirms the authority of the Law while emphasizing that, in the way the Law is kept, the righteousness taught by Jesus must exceed that of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). Chapter 23 is where this contrast appears most sharply. Jesus does not reject the teaching office itself. Rather, he criticizes the gap between words and deeds and stresses the weightier matters of the Law, such as justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23).

Interpretation and Issues

• A literal chair or a figure of speech? Some hold that the phrase refers to a specific chair that actually stood in the synagogue. The more widely accepted view, however, takes it as a figurative expression for the authority of teachers of the Law.
• The scope of "observe and do": Elsewhere Jesus warned against the traditions and teaching of the Pharisees (Matthew 15:1–9; 16:6–12). As a result, there are several interpretations of how far this command applies:
• It means to follow the text of the Law of Moses when the Pharisees read and transmit it.
• It is a qualified command to follow them only insofar as they agree with the teaching of Moses.
• It is an ironic statement setting up the criticism that follows.
• Office and character: The passage is sometimes cited as grounds for distinguishing between the authority of the teaching office and the life of the person who holds it. Protestant tradition generally emphasizes that the authority of teaching depends on faithfulness to the word of Scripture rather than on the office itself.

In the Korean Church

In Korean church preaching, this passage is cited chiefly as a word of warning that church leaders and ministers must bring their words and lives into agreement. It is also used to lead church members in general to examine themselves for hypocrisy in their faith.