Matthew 23:6-12 Taking it to the birds

Matthew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, [kjv]

23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: [kjv]

23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. [kjv]

23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [kjv]

Jesus starts Matthew 23 by distinguishing various groups and then talks about works and works that are talked about, etc. Jesus effectively "fingers" a serious issue with the religious elite.

There are interesting translation issues with verse 3 having to do with the parsing of "and" and the use of the comma "," in English.

More: Matthew 23:1-4 Jesus fingers the talk about works

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, [kjv]

παντα δε τα εργα αυτων ποιουσιν προς το θεαθηναι τοις ανθρωποις πλατυνουσιν γαρ τα φυλακτηρια αυτων και μεγαλυνουσιν τα κρασπεδα [gnt]

Jesus uses some play on words in taking it to the birds with allusions to "birds", "snakes", "prisons" and "altars", and "heads" and "shackles".

More: Matthew 23:5 Broad prison boxes and head shackles

Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [kjv]

23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. [kjv]

23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [kjv]

23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [kjv]

Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. [kjv]

23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [kjv]

23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. [kjv]

Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, [kjv]

φιλουσιν δε την πρωτοκλισιαν εν τοις δειπνοις και τας πρωτοκαθεδριας εν ταις συναγωγαις [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "δεῖπνον" ≈ "meal, food". The modern Greek word "δείπνω" (THEE-pno) ≈ "evening meal, supper, dinner".

The Greek word translated as "uppermost rooms" are that of "first/best places" regardless of where the "feast" or "banquet" takes place. Likewise, the "chief seats" are that of the "first/best seats".

Greek words:

"love" is that of friendship "love".

Matthew 23:6

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KJV: And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

Greek: φιλουσιν τε δε την πρωτοκλισιαν εν τοις δειπνοις και τας πρωτοκαθεδριας εν ταις συναγωγαις

Luke 11:43 Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets. [kjv]

ουαι υμιν τοις φαρισαιοις οτι αγαπατε την πρωτοκαθεδριαν εν ταις συναγωγαις και τους ασπασμους εν ταις αγοραις [gnt]

Luke relates the same idea but uses a different word for "love". Both words have about the same idea.

Luke does not include the "scribes".

Luke 11:43

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KJV: Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

Greek: ουαι υμιν τοις φαρισαιοις οτι αγαπατε την πρωτοκαθεδριαν εν ταις συναγωγαις και τους ασπασμους εν ταις αγοραις

Latin: vae vobis Pharisaeis quia diligitis primas cathedras in synagogis et salutationes in foro

Wessex: Wa eow fariseen ge þe lufieð þa formen heahsetlen on ge-samnungen & gretinge on straeten.

Wycliffe: Wo to you, Farisees, that louen the firste chaieris in synagogis, and salutaciouns in chepyng.

Luther: Wehe euch Pharisäern, daß ihr gerne obenan sitzet in den Schulen und wollet gegrüßt sein auf dem Markte!

Spanish: ¡Ay de vosotros, fariseos! que amáis las primeras sillas en las sinagogas, y las salutaciones en las plazas.

Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. [kjv]

και τους ασπασμους εν ταις αγοραις και καλεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων ραββι [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ἀσπάζομαι" ≈ "cheers, salute" and is translated as "greetings".

Greek words:

The TR (Textus Receptus) adds a second "Rabbi".

Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? [kjv]

και εαν ασπασησθε τους αδελφους υμων μονον τι περισσον ποιειτε ουχι και οι εθνικοι τοαυτο ποιουσιν [gnt]

There are (at least) two ancient Greek words for what some would call "cheers" or "greetings". The ancient Greek word "ἀσπάζομαι" ≈ "cheers, salute" and is less formal and less serious sense. The word for the general "ethnic" population at large is in most manuscripts rather than the more specific "publican" or "tax collector" (which has a special meaning when used by Jesus).

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore. [kjv]

παντοτε χαιρετε [gnt]

5:17 Pray without ceasing. [kjv]

αδιαλειπτως προσευχεσθε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "χαίρετε" ≈ "greetings, rejoice" and is usually in a more formal, sincere and positive sense. The modern Greek word "χαίρετε" (HEH-reh-teh) ≈ "greetings" as a more formal greeting.

More: Matthew 5:47-48 Be purposeful

Matthew 23:7

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KJV: And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

Greek: και τους ασπασμους εν ταις αγοραις και καλεισθαι υπο των ανθρωπων ραββι ραββι

What Jesus describes is along the lines of what James McCarthy states one of books on managing software development projects.
...most people's superficial notion of "teamwork" is that it is equivalent to some namby-pamby consensus and bogus good cheer. The only consensus worth having is a creative one achieved in the combat of fully engaged intellects. Such a consensus is born of sleepless nights, fear of rejection, and trials of personal courage. Conflict, which usually presages growth, is the hallmark of such consensus. McCarthy, J. (1995). Dynamics of Software Development. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press., p. 44.

Sometimes this idea of ignoring conflict is called a "mutual admiration society".

The "peer-review" system used in many academic areas falls prey to the idea of a "mutual admiration society". Any really new or useful idea tends not be seen by those in such a group.

The term "group think" can apply to such groups.

More: James McCarthy

Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [kjv]

υμεις δε μη κληθητε ραββι εις γαρ εστιν υμων ο διδασκαλος παντες δε υμεις αδελφοι εστε [gnt]

Since Jesus says not to do this, one should not be surprised that throughout history some have wanted to be "called" "Rabbi".

The word "Master" is that of "teacher". Who is that one "teacher"?

Matthew 23:8

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KJV: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Greek: υμεις δε μη κληθητε ραββι εις γαρ εστιν υμων ο καθηγητης ο χριστος διδασκαλος παντες δε υμεις αδελφοι εστε

Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [kjv]

και πατερα μη καλεσητε υμων επι της γης εις γαρ εστιν υμων ο πατηρ ο ουρανιος [gnt]

Since Jesus says not to do this, one should not be surprised that throughout history some have wanted to be called "Father". The TR adds "which is in" instead of "heavenly Father".
There is a human tendency to take what the Bible says, and then pervert it or take it in an unintended way. Some churches have pastors that are addressed as "father" and act as an agent between the "Father" and the ordinary person.

When this is pointed out, the organization with that policy may go to great length to point out why what they are doing is not what is says not to do.

The Spanish word "padre" ≈ "father" as in the Major League Baseball team name San Diego Padres.

The Catholic word Pope comes from the word for "father" as "pappa".

More: The Father and Abba

Matthew 23:9

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KJV: And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

Greek: και πατερα μη καλεσητε υμων επι της γης εις γαρ εστιν υμων ο πατηρ υμων ο εν τοις ουρανοις ουρανιος

Latin: et patrem nolite vocare vobis super terram unus enim est Pater vester qui in caelis est

Wessex: & ne nemnie ge eow faeder ofer eorðan. an ys eower faeder se þe on heofene ys.

Wycliffe: And nyle ye clepe to you a fadir on erthe, for oon is your fadir, that is in heuenes.

Luther: Und sollet niemand Vater heißen auf Erden; denn einer ist euer Vater, der im Himmel ist.

Slavonic: и отца не зовите себе на земли: един бо есть Отец ваш, Иже на небесех:

Russian: и отцом себе не называйте никого на земле, ибо один у вас Отец, Который на небесах;

Spanish: Y no llaméis vuestro padre a nadie en la tierra; porque uno es vuestro Padre, el cual está en el cielo.

Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. [kjv]

μηδε κληθητε καθηγηται οτι καθηγητης υμων εστιν εις ο χριστος [gnt]

Since Jesus says not to do this, one should not be surprised that throughout history some have wanted to be "called" "Master". The Greek word used here for "Master" is the modern Greek word for "professor".

This word only appears here in verse 10. It also appears back in verse 8 in the TR.

The ancient Greek word "καθηγέομαι" ≈ "direct, guide, teach".

The modern Greek word "καθηγητής" (ka-thee-gee-TEES) ≈ "professor, language tutor".

*G2519 *2 καθηγητής (kath-ayg-ay-tace') : from a compound of G2596 and G2233; a guide, i.e. (figuratively) a teacher:--master.

Usage

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καθηγηται

Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

καθηγητης

Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

*G2519 *2 καθηγητής (kath-ayg-ay-tace') : from a compound of G2596 and G2233; a guide, i.e. (figuratively) a teacher:--master.

Words: καθηγηται καθηγητης

The ancient Greek word "καθηγέομαι" ≈ "direct, guide, teach".

The modern Greek word "καθηγητής" (ka-thee-gee-TEES) ≈ "professor, language tutor".

Matthew 23:10

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KJV: Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Greek: μηδε κληθητε καθηγηται εις γαρ οτι καθηγητης υμων εστιν ο καθηγητης εις ο χριστος

Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [kjv]

ο δε μειζων υμων εσται υμων διακονος [gnt]

$Less than sign$

Perhaps everyone is a servant of everyone else. All are at the some level.
The Greek words for "through" and "dust" are said to be related to the Greek word for "deacon".

The ancient Greek word "διάκονος" ≈ "servant".
The ancient Greek prefix "δία" ≈ "through" as in the English word "diameter".
The ancient Greek word "κόνις" ≈ "dust, ashes" and is cognate with the Latin word "cinis" ≈ "(cold) ashes" as in the English word "incinerate"

The Greek word for "servant" is the source of the English word "deacon" and which, in Greek, literally means "through the dust" as in a "gopher". In many places in the Latin Vulgate and in the KJV (King James Version), the Greek word for "deacon" is translated as "minister" in the sense of "servant".

More: Matthew 25:40,45 The least of these

More: Deacon as an administration gopher

Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [kjv]

ο δε μειζων υμων εσται υμων διακονος [gnt]

John 1:50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these. [kjv]

απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω οτι ειπον σοι οτι ειδον σε υποκατω της συκης πιστευεις μειζω τουτων οψη [gnt]

"μείζων" ≈ "greater, larger" in a comparative sense.
"ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough".
"ζημία" ≈ "loss, damage, penalty" as a play on words.

John 1:50

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KJV: Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

Greek: απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω οτι ειπον σοι οτι ειδον σε υποκατω της συκης πιστευεις μειζω τουτων οψει οψη

Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. [kjv]

ο δε μειζων υμων εσται υμων διακονος [gnt]

16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [kjv]

ο δε ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ορατε και προσεχετε απο της ζυμης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων [gnt]

Exodus 12:20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread. [kjv]

παν ζυμωτον ουκ εδεσθε εν παντι δε κατοικητηριω υμων εδεσθε αζυμα [lxx]

"ζύμωτον" ≈ "leavened".

Exodus 12:20

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KJV: Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

Hebrew: כל מחמצת לא תאכלו בכל מושבתיכם תאכלו מצות׃

Greek: παν ζυμωτον ουκ εδεσθε εν παντι δε κατοικητηριω υμων εδεσθε αζυμα

Matthew 23:11

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KJV: But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Greek: ο δε μειζων υμων εσται υμων διακονος

Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. [kjv]

οστις δε υψωσει εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και οστις ταπεινωσει εαυτον υψωθησεται [gnt]

Does this mean that we are all (or will be) at the same level?

The KJV translates as "abased" and then "humble" the Greek word that means "humble".
The use of "humble" in the above verse is used as opposites. That is, the KJV "abased" (lowered, as in status) is the Greek "humbled", just as Greek uses similar roots for "exalt" and "exalted".

Wycliffe uses the Middle English word "mekith" ≈ "humbled" which is "make meek" as "meeketh".

More: Matthew 5:5 B3 Grounds for meekly inheriting humble pie

Matthew 23:12

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KJV: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Greek: οστις δε υψωσει εαυτον ταπεινωθησεται και οστις ταπεινωσει εαυτον υψωθησεται

Latin: qui autem se exaltaverit humiliabitur et qui se humiliaverit exaltabitur

Wycliffe: For he that hieth himself, schal be mekid; and he that mekith hym silf, schal be enhaunsid.

Tyndale: But whosoever exalteth himsilfe shalbe brought lowe. And he yt hubleth himsilfe shalbe exalted.