(15:13; compare 13:37–39; 23:15) whose very thoughts and motives are evil (9:4; 12:39, 45; 16:4; 22:18) and whose words reflect this evil as clearly as their deeds (12:34). The apparent reading of Matt 23:2–7 is pervasive, even though it cannot be reconciled with the perspective of Matthew’s Gospel as a whole. It is reflected in many English translations, where λέγω may curiously be translated “preach” (JB, NIV, NJB, RSV, TEV) or “teach” (NRSV). Such translations have contributed to a widespread