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Matthew 23:20 So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

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id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/23-19.htm" title="Matthew 23:19">&#9668;</a> Matthew 23:20 <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm" title="Matthew 23:21">&#9658;</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible">&nbsp;Audio&nbsp;</a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References">&nbsp;Crossref&nbsp;</a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary">&nbsp;Comment&nbsp;</a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon">&nbsp;Greek&nbsp;</a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">&nbsp; (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore, anyone who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When you swear &#8216;by the altar,&#8217; you are swearing by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore the <i>one</i> having sworn by the altar swears by it and by all things that <i>are</i> upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, the one who swears by the altar, swears <i>both</i> by the altar and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears both by the altar and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />&#8220;Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears <i>both</i> by the altar and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears <i>both</i> by the altar and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, whoever swears [an oath] by the altar, swears both by it and by everything [offered] on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, the one who takes an oath by the altar takes an oath by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, the one who takes an oath by the altar takes an oath by it and by everything on it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Anyone who swears by the altar also swears by everything on it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/23.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />To swear an oath by the altar is to swear by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, when a person swears by the altar, he is swearing by it and by all the gifts on it; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, the one who swears an oath by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Whoever therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who swears by the altar swears both by it and by everything on it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He therefore who swore by the altar, swears by it, and by all things on it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/23.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Therefore the <i>one</i> having sworn by the altar swears by it and by all things that <i>are</i> upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 'He therefore who did swear by the altar, doth swear by it, and by all things on it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, he having sworn by the altar, swears by it, and by all above it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all that is on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore he who swears by the altar, he swears by it and by everything that is on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/23.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Whoever swears therefore by the altar swears by it and by everything that is upon it.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/23.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, whoever swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all that is on it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/23.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>Therefore the one swearing by the altar, swears by it, and by all things which are on it.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/23.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Whosoever therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/23.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/23.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />He who swears by the altar swears both by it and by everything on it;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/23.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>He, therefore, who swears by the altar swears by it and by all things on it;<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/23.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>He then, that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it and by all <Fr><i>things</i><FR> upon it:<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/23-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=6846" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/23.htm">Woes to Scribes and Pharisees</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">19</span>You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred? <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">So then,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">he who</a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omosas (V-APA-NMS) -- 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: t&#333; (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: thysiast&#275;ri&#333; (N-DNS) -- An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar.">altar</a> <a href="/greek/3660.htm" title="3660: omnyei (V-PIA-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/846.htm" title="846: aut&#333; (PPro-DN3S) -- 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/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</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/3956.htm" title="3956: pasi (Adj-DNP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- 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: epan&#333; (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> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, &#8216;Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.&#8217; / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God&#8217;s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-12.htm">James 5:12</a></span><br />Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your &#8220;Yes&#8221; be yes, and your &#8220;No,&#8221; no, so that you will not fall under judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a></span><br />Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-4.htm">Matthew 15:4-6</a></span><br />For God said, &#8216;Honor your father and mother&#8217; and &#8216;Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.&#8217; / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, &#8216;Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,&#8217; / he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/7-10.htm">Mark 7:10-13</a></span><br />For Moses said, &#8216;Honor your father and your mother&#8217; and &#8216;Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.&#8217; / But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, &#8216;Whatever you would have received from me is Corban&#8217; (that is, a gift devoted to God), / he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-7.htm">Exodus 20:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-12.htm">Leviticus 19:12</a></span><br />You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-1.htm">Isaiah 66:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: &#8220;Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-4.htm">Jeremiah 7:4</a></span><br />Do not trust in deceptive words, saying: &#8216;This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.&#8217;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/7-9.htm">Jeremiah 7:9-11</a></span><br />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, &#8216;We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations&#8217;? / Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Zechariah 5:3-4</a></span><br />Then he told me, &#8220;This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to one side of the scroll, every thief will be removed; and according to the other side, every perjurer will be removed. / I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name. It will remain inside his house and destroy it, down to its timbers and stones.&#8221;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Malachi 1:14</a></span><br />&#8220;But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,&#8221; says the LORD of Hosts, &#8220;and My name is to be feared among the nations.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Whoever therefore shall swear by the altar, swears by it, and by all things thereon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/23-19.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/matthew/23-18.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/23-18.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/23-18.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-18.htm">Swears</a> <a href="/matthew/21-19.htm">Thereon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Altar</a> <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm">Swear</a> <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm">Sweareth</a> <a href="/matthew/23-21.htm">Swears</a> <a href="/matthew/23-22.htm">Thereon</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-1.htm">Jesus admonishes the people to follow good doctrine, not bad examples</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">His disciples must beware of their ambition.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">He denounces eight woes against their hypocrisy and blindness,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">and prophesies of the destruction of Jerusalem.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-3753401421161123"; /* 200 x 200 Parallel Bible */ google_ad_slot = "7676643937"; google_ad_width = 200; google_ad_height = 200; //--> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script><br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/23.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div><b>So then</b><br />This phrase serves as a conclusion or a summation of the preceding argument. In the context of <a href="/matthew/23.htm">Matthew 23</a>, Jesus is addressing the scribes and Pharisees, critiquing their legalistic and hypocritical practices. The Greek word used here, "&#959;&#8022;&#957;" (oun), often indicates a logical conclusion. It suggests that what follows is a direct result of the previous teachings, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter at hand.<p><b>he who swears</b><br />The act of swearing, or taking an oath, was a common practice in ancient Jewish culture, often used to affirm truthfulness or commitment. The Greek word "&#8000;&#956;&#957;&#973;&#969;" (omny&#333;) implies making a solemn promise or declaration. In the historical context, oaths were binding and considered sacred, reflecting one's integrity and relationship with God. Jesus is highlighting the importance of sincerity and truth in one's words.<p><b>by the altar</b><br />The altar in the Jewish temple was a central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing the presence and holiness of God. The Greek term "&#952;&#965;&#963;&#953;&#945;&#963;&#964;&#942;&#961;&#953;&#959;&#957;" (thysiast&#275;rion) refers to this sacred structure. In the historical and religious context, the altar was where offerings were made to God, representing devotion and atonement. Jesus is pointing out the significance of the altar as more than just a physical object; it is a symbol of divine interaction and covenant.<p><b>swears by it</b><br />This phrase emphasizes the act of making an oath specifically by the altar. The repetition underscores the gravity of invoking something sacred in one's promises. In the Jewish tradition, swearing by the altar would imply invoking God's presence and authority, thus making the oath particularly binding and serious.<p><b>and by everything on it</b><br />This part of the verse expands the scope of the oath to include not just the altar itself but also everything associated with it. The Greek phrase "&#960;&#940;&#957;&#964;&#945; &#964;&#8048; &#7952;&#960;&#940;&#957;&#969; &#945;&#8016;&#964;&#959;&#8166;" (panta ta epan&#333; autou) suggests completeness and totality. Historically, the items on the altar, such as sacrifices and offerings, were considered holy and dedicated to God. Jesus is teaching that an oath involving the altar encompasses all that it represents, including the sacred acts performed upon it.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Sweareth by it</span>, etc. One can see what an inveterate evil our Lord was denouncing, when he takes such pains to point out its absurdities, which seem to us self-evident. The oath by the altar involves the notion of the victim as well as the altar; one cannot be separated from the other; and, of course, implies him to whom the offering is made. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/23-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">So then,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#959;&#8022;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he who</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8001;</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swears</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8000;&#956;&#972;&#963;&#945;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(omosas)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> </span><span class="str2">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(t&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">altar</span><br /><span class="grk">&#952;&#965;&#963;&#953;&#945;&#963;&#964;&#951;&#961;&#943;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(thysiast&#275;ri&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2379.htm">Strong's 2379: </a> </span><span class="str2">An altar (for sacrifice). From a derivative of thusia; a place of sacrifice, i.e. An altar.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">swears</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8000;&#956;&#957;&#973;&#949;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(omnyei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3660.htm">Strong's 3660: </a> </span><span class="str2">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.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8016;&#964;&#8183;</span> <span class="translit">(aut&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Neuter 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">by</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">everything</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#8118;&#963;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(pasi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#960;&#940;&#957;&#969;</span> <span class="translit">(epan&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1883.htm">Strong's 1883: </a> </span><span class="str2">From epi and ano; up above, i.e. Over or on.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it.</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8016;&#964;&#959;&#8166;</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/23-20.htm">Matthew 23:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/23-20.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 23:20 He therefore who swears by the altar (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/23-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 23:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/23-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 23:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 23:21" /></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>

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