Three Verbs, One Hypocrisy
In this sharp critique of the Pharisees, Jesus uses three present tense verbs to reveal a pattern of behavior centered on visibility and pride. Let’s examine the verbs:
- ποιοῦσι — present active indicative, “they do”
- πλατύνουσι — present active indicative, “they broaden”
- μεγαλύνουσι — present active indicative, “they enlarge”
All three verbs reinforce the idea of habitual, ongoing religious performance aimed at public attention.
Grammatical Dissection of the Verbs
| Verb: ποιοῦσι | |
|---|---|
| Lexical Form | ποιέω |
| Tense | Present |
| Voice | Active |
| Mood | Indicative |
| Person & Number | 3rd Plural |
| Aspect | Imperfective |
| Semantic Force | Ongoing behavior—they habitually do these works |
| Verb: πλατύνουσι | |
| Lexical Form | πλατύνω |
| Tense | Present |
| Voice | Active |
| Mood | Indicative |
| Person & Number | 3rd Plural |
| Aspect | Imperfective |
| Semantic Force | They habitually enlarge their phylacteries to appear pious |
| Verb: μεγαλύνουσι | |
| Lexical Form | μεγαλύνω |
| Tense | Present |
| Voice | Active |
| Mood | Indicative |
| Person & Number | 3rd Plural |
| Aspect | Imperfective |
| Semantic Force | They repeatedly and actively increase the size of tassels as visual signals of holiness |
The Imperfective Aspect: A Pattern of Display
Each of the three verbs is in the present tense, emphasizing continuous or repeated action:
- ποιοῦσι: They continually do their deeds—not as a one-off event but as a pattern of religious performance.
- πλατύνουσι: Broadening the phylacteries isn’t occasional; it’s a habit of exaggeration.
- μεγαλύνουσι: Enlarging tassels becomes a symbol of pride, not piety.
Purpose Infinitive and Clause Structure
The phrase πρὸς τὸ θεαθῆναι τοῖς ἀνθρώποις (“in order to be seen by people”) is a purpose construction with the articular infinitive θεαθῆναι (aorist passive infinitive from θεάομαι). This construction exposes motivation:
- The goal of their action is visibility, not virtue.
- Their morphology supports their masquerade.
What the Verb Meant to Say
Matthew 23:5 shows that repetition forms character—but not always in the right direction. The present tense verbs expose an ongoing performative religion where actions are crafted for applause. Greek grammar here is surgical: with just a few present indicatives and a purpose infinitive, Jesus unveils the inner motives of religious display. Grammar doesn’t just describe—it judges.
