In Matthew 23:5, Jesus says of the scribes and Pharisees:
“But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.” (NKJV)
Historical and Cultural Meaning
The phrase “enlarge the borders of their garments” refers to the tassels (tzitzit) worn on the corners of Jewish garments, commanded by the Law of Moses.
1. The Biblical Command Behind the Tassels
The practice comes directly from the Torah:
Numbers 15:38–39 (NKJV)
“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them…”
Also reaffirmed in:
Deuteronomy 22:12 – “You shall make tassels on the four corners of the clothing with which you cover yourself.”
Purpose of the Tassels
Reminder of God’s commandments
Call to obedience and holiness
Symbol of being set apart as God’s covenant people
2. What Were the “Borders”?
The “borders” (Greek: κράσπεδα – kraspeda):
Refers to the tassels or fringes attached to the corners of the outer garment
Same word used in Matthew 9:20, where the woman touches the “hem” of Jesus’ garment
These tassels normally had:
Knots and windings
A thread of blue (tekhelet), symbolizing heaven and divine authority
3. What the Pharisees Were Doing
Jesus is not condemning the tassels themselves—they were commanded by God.
He condemns their motive.
“Enlarging” the Tassels Meant:
Making them longer, thicker, or more ornate
Making them highly visible in public
Using them as a public display of supposed holiness
This turned a private reminder of obedience into a public badge of spiritual superiority.
4. The Deeper Rebuke: External Religion vs. Heart Obedience
Jesus pairs this with another practice:
“They make their phylacteries broad…”
Phylacteries (tefillin):
Small leather boxes containing Scripture (Exod. 13; Deut. 6)
Worn on the forehead and arm during prayer
Again, lawful—but abused for show.
The Core Issue:
Performative righteousness
Seeking human praise instead of God’s approval
Matthew 23:27–28 (NKJV)
“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
5. Practical and Doctrinal Significance
Then:
Tassels = reminder to obey God
Pharisees = turned obedience into spectacle
Now:
Any religious symbol, practice, or ministry can become:
A tool for humility or
A platform for pride
1 Samuel 16:7
“For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Summary
“Enlarging the borders of their garments” in Matthew 23:5 means:
Exaggerating biblical symbols of obedience
To appear more righteous than others
Violating the very purpose of the Law they claimed to honor
Jesus exposes a timeless danger:
using sacred things to glorify self rather than God.