(3) But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their (c) phylacteries, and enlarge (d) the borders of their garments,
(3) Hypocrites are ambitious.
(c) It was a thread or ribband of blue silk in the fringe of a corner, the beholding of which made them remember the laws and ordinances of God: and therefore it was called a phylactery, or as you would say, a container. See (Numbers 15:38; Deuteronomy 6:8), a commandment which the Jews abused afterwards, as those do today who hang the gospel of John around their necks, which was condemned many years ago in the Council of Antioch.
(d) Literally, "Twisted tassels of thread which hung at the outermost hems of their garments.