Matthew 23:3

εἴπωσιν, say, in the sense of enjoining; no need therefore of τηρεῖν as in T. R. ποιήσατε καὶ τηρεῖτε : The natural order if the previous τηρεῖν be omitted. The diverse tenses are significant, the former pointing to detailed performance, the latter to habitual observance. Christ here recognises the legitimacy of the scribal function of interpretation in a broad way, which may appear too unqualified and incompatible with His teaching at other times (Matthew 15:1-20) (so Holtz., H. C.). Allowance must be made for Christ's habit of unqualified statement, especially here when He is going to attack in an uncompromising manner the conduct of the Jewish doctors. He means: as teachers they have their place, but beware of following their example.