Definition: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 23:23. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage in the Bible that speaks about hypocrisy and missed opportunities for spiritual growth. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling those who are following the rules – the Pharisees and scribes – to stop focusing on what they’re doing right and wrong, and instead, to focus on what they don't do. He’s saying they've been neglecting the most important aspects of faith and living a truly good life. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 23:23” : This is the verse itself – Jesus is addressing a group of people who were following the law very strictly. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees…” : Jesus uses the word "woe" which means “sadness” or “suffering.” He’s talking about those who have been diligently following rules and regulations. It's a gentle but firm condemnation of their behavior. “…and hypocrites!” : This is crucial. “Hypocrites” means someone who pretends to be righteous, but doesn’t actually live according to God’s standards. They are focused on appearing good, rather than truly being good. "for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin…” : This is where it gets a bit tricky. “Mint,” “anise,” and "cummin” were ancient spices used in religious rituals. Jesus isn’t literally talking about eating these spices. He's using them as an analogy . He’s saying they were focusing on observing the rules, but not truly understanding or living by God’s will. It means they were being busy with outward appearances of righteousness rather than inner transformation. "...and have omitted the weightier [matters] of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:" : This is the core of the message. Jesus is pointing out that they’ve been neglecting these crucial elements of a life lived in God's favor: The Law: God gave us laws to guide our lives – like moral codes, ethical principles, and rules for how we should behave. Judgment: We are accountable to God, and he judges our actions. Mercy: God shows compassion and forgiveness. Faith: This is the core of our relationship with God – believing in him and trusting his promises. “these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” : Jesus is urging them to actively engage with these elements. He’s telling them that they need to prioritize these things over just following rules for their own sake. They need to live a life of genuine faith – understanding God's love, forgiving others, and trusting in his plan. In essence, the verse is a warning against legalism (obsession with rules) and a call to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. It’s about moving beyond simply doing what is required and truly being righteous – that requires understanding, love, forgiveness, and trust in God's plan. What does this mean for us today? It reminds us that true faith isn’t just about obeying rules; it’s about a transformed heart and life—a life lived in accordance with God’s will and loving others as He loves us. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these parts further? Give you a different example from the Bible?