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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 23:18 And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.'</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/23-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/40_Mat_23_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 23:18 - Woes to Scribes and Pharisees" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And you say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.'" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.&#8217 <a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a> And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding. <a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a> And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ <a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And you say, 'Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is bound by his oath.' <a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a> And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a> And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ <a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering that is on it is obligated.’ <a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And, &#8216Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.&#8217 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering upon it, he is obligated.’ <a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ <a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And [you scribes and Pharisees say], ‘Whoever swears [an oath] by the altar, that is nothing (non-binding), but whoever swears [an oath] by the offering on it, he is obligated [as a debtor to fulfill his vow and keep his promise].’ <a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Also, ‘Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it means nothing; but whoever takes an oath by the gift that is on it is bound by his oath.’ <a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Also, Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it means nothing. But whoever takes an oath by the gift that is on it is bound by his oath.&#8217 <a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a> And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor. <a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You also teach that it doesn't matter if a person swears by the altar. But you say it does matter if someone swears by the gift on the altar. <a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a> And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor. <a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Again you say, 'To swear an oath by the altar doesn't mean a thing. But to swear an oath by the gift on the altar means a person must keep his oath.' <a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a> You also teach, 'If someone swears by the altar, he isn't bound by his vow; but if he swears by the gift on the altar, he is bound.' <a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a> Again you say, 'Whoever swears an oath by the altar is excused, but whoever swears by the gift that is on it must keep his oath.' <a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And you say, ?If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.? <a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a> And, 'Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing. But if anyone swears by the gift on it he is bound by the oath.' <a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?' <a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And you say, "'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering lying on it is bound by the oath.' <a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a> And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated?’ <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And, Whoever may swear by the altar, it is nothing, but whoever may swear by the gift that is on it—is debtor! <a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And you say, 'Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is bound by his oath.' <a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And, whoever may swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever may swear by the gift that is upon it -- is debtor! <a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And, Whoever should swear by the altar, it is nothing; and whoever should swear by the gift above it, he is indebted.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, is a debtor. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you say: ‘Whoever will have sworn by the altar, it is nothing. But whoever will have sworn by the gift that is on the altar is obligated.’ <a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a> And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’ <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar is bound by nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on the altar is bound by the oath.’<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering that is on it, he is guilty. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And,'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing',but 'Whoever swears by the offering upon it, he is liable.'<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And, Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gift that is on it, becomes a debtor. <a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>And, Whosoever may swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever may swear by the gift upon it, is debtor.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And again, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, it is binding. <a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a> again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. <a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And you say, "'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering lying on it is bound by the oath.' <a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>'And whosoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever swears by the gift that is upon it, is a debtor!'<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>And, If any <Fr>one<FR> swear by the altar, it is nothing; but if any one swear by the gift upon it, he is bound.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/23-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6828" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a> …17You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? 18<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And you say,</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">‘If anyone</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omosē (V-ASA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath.">swears</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2379.htm" title="2379: thysiastēriō (N-DNS) -- An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar.">altar,</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">it means</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: ouden (Adj-NNS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">nothing;</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: d’ (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">if anyone</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omosē (V-ASA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath.">swears</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">by</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1435.htm" title="1435: dōrō (N-DNS) -- A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.">gift</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1883.htm" title="1883: epanō (Prep) -- From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.">on</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it,</a> <a href="/greek/3784.htm" title="3784: opheilei (V-PIA-3S) -- Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty.">he is bound by his oath.’</a> 19You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a> Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ... <a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a> Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment. <a href="/matthew/15-3.htm">Matthew 15:3-9</a> Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? / For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ ... <a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a> Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men. <a href="/mark/7-6.htm">Mark 7:6-13</a> Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. / They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ / You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men.” ... <a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a> You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain. <a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a> You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. <a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a> If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a> If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth. <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">Psalm 50:14</a> Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High. <a href="/psalms/50-16.htm">Psalm 50:16-17</a> To the wicked, however, God says, “What right have you to recite My statutes and to bear My covenant on your lips? / For you hate My instruction and cast My words behind you. <a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-11</a> Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, / and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD. <a href="/ezekiel/20-39.htm">Ezekiel 20:39</a> And as for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord GOD says: Go and serve your idols, every one of you. But afterward, you will surely listen to Me, and you will no longer defile My holy name with your gifts and idols. <a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Zechariah 8:17</a> do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely, for I hate all these things,” declares the LORD. <a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6-14</a> “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ / By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. / When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.guilty.<a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Matthew 23:15</a> Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.or bound.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/5-24.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/matthew/5-28.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Means</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Obligated</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-4.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Swears</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-19.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/matthew/27-2.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/matthew/23-19.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/matthew/26-66.htm">Guilty</a> <a href="/matthew/28-6.htm">Lying</a> <a href="/matthew/27-33.htm">Means</a> <a href="/matthew/23-20.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/romans/1-14.htm">Obligated</a> <a href="/matthew/23-19.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/matthew/27-24.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-20.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/23-20.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-20.htm">Swears</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div>1. <a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a> 34. <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And you say, This phrase introduces a direct address to the audience, which in this context is the religious leaders of the time, specifically the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus often used direct speech to confront the hypocrisy and legalism of these leaders. This method of address is consistent with the prophetic tradition, where prophets would directly challenge the people of Israel for their sins.‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; The altar in the Jewish temple was central to worship and sacrifice, representing a place of atonement and communion with God. By saying that swearing by the altar "means nothing," the religious leaders were diminishing the sacredness of the altar. This reflects a broader issue of prioritizing human traditions over divine commandments, a theme Jesus frequently addressed (see <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Mark 7:8-9</a>).but if anyone swears by the gift on it, The "gift" refers to the offerings or sacrifices placed on the altar. In the Jewish sacrificial system, these gifts were essential for atonement and worship. The leaders' emphasis on the gift rather than the altar itself indicates a misplaced focus on material offerings rather than the spiritual significance of the altar. This reflects a broader cultural tendency to value external rituals over internal righteousness.he is bound by his oath.’ An oath was a solemn promise, often invoking God as a witness. The leaders' teaching that one is bound by an oath made by the gift but not by the altar reveals a legalistic manipulation of religious practices. This reflects a misunderstanding of the true nature of oaths, which should be based on integrity and truthfulness (see <a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a>). Jesus' critique here aligns with His broader teaching against hypocrisy and for genuine righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, addressing the scribes and Pharisees with a series of woes, highlighting their hypocrisy and misguided teachings. 2. <a href="/topical/s/scribes_and_pharisees.htm">Scribes and Pharisees</a> Jewish religious leaders who are criticized by Jesus for their legalistic and hypocritical practices, particularly in their interpretation of oaths and vows. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_altar.htm">The Altar</a> A sacred place in the temple where sacrifices were offered to God. It symbolizes the presence and worship of God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_gift.htm">The Gift</a> Refers to the offerings or sacrifices placed on the altar, which were considered holy and dedicated to God. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The central place of worship for the Jewish people, representing God's dwelling place among them.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_integrity.htm">The Importance of Integrity</a> Jesus emphasizes that our words and commitments should be truthful and reliable without needing elaborate oaths. This calls for a life of integrity where our "yes" means "yes" and our "no" means "no." <a href="/topical/t/true_worship_over_rituals.htm">True Worship Over Rituals</a> The focus should be on genuine worship and devotion to God rather than merely following rituals or valuing material offerings over spiritual sincerity. <a href="/topical/h/hypocrisy_in_religious_practices.htm">Hypocrisy in Religious Practices</a> Jesus warns against the danger of hypocrisy, where outward religious actions do not match the inward heart condition. Believers are called to align their actions with their faith. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_sacred.htm">Understanding the Sacred</a> Recognizing that the altar and the gift both hold significance because of their dedication to God. This teaches us to respect what is sacred and approach God with reverence. <a href="/topical/p/prioritizing_god's_commands.htm">Prioritizing God's Commands</a> The Pharisees' focus on the gift over the altar shows a misplacement of priorities. Believers are encouraged to prioritize God's commands and values over human traditions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 23</a> <a href="/q/bible's_advice_on_resolving_conflict.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on conflict resolution?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_10_40_window_refer_to.htm">What drives the tension between the brothers in 'The Power of the Dog'?</a> <a href="/q/was_jairus'_daughter_dead_or_alive.htm">Was Jairus' daughter dead when Jesus met him? Matthew 9:18 says yes, Mark 5:23 says no.</a> <a href="/q/what_does_inculturation_mean.htm">What does inculturation mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - By the altar. The great altar of burnt offerings, according to the Mosaic ritual, was consecrated and dedicated with most remarkable solemnities, as the centre of sacrificial worship (see <a href="/exodus/29-36.htm">Exodus 29:36</a>, etc.; Exodus 30:28,29; <a href="/numbers/7-10.htm">Numbers 7:10</a>, etc.). The gift that is upon it. The victim, which, as being offered by themselves, was counted more worthy than the altar of God which sanctified the gift. This is, indeed, an instance of sight blinded by self-righteousness. He is guilty; ὀφείλει: he is a debtor, as ver. 16. Others see here the principle that the validity of oaths was differentiated by the nearness to the Person of God of the things by which they were taken. This, too, opened up large opportunities of evasion. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And [you say], καί (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. ‘If anyone Ὃς (Hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. swears ὀμόσῃ (omosē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. altar, θυσιαστηρίῳ (thysiastēriō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2379.htm">Strong's 2379: </a> An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar. it means ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. nothing; οὐδέν (ouden) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> No one, none, nothing. but δ’ (d’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if anyone ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. swears ὀμόσῃ (omosē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> A prolonged form of a primary, but obsolete omo, for which another prolonged form omoo is used in certain tenses; to swear, i.e. Take oath. by ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gift δώρῳ (dōrō) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1435.htm">Strong's 1435: </a> A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice. on ἐπάνω (epanō) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1883.htm">Strong's 1883: </a> From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on. it, αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. he is bound by his oath.’ ὀφείλει (opheilei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3784.htm">Strong's 3784: </a> Or, its prolonged form opheileo probably from the base of ophelos; to owe; figuratively, to be under obligation; morally, to fail in duty. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/23-18.htm">Matthew 23:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/23-18.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:18 Whoever swears by the altar it (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>