Matthew 23:17
What does Matthew 23:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 23:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 23:17 means
Jesus directly challenges the Pharisees' flawed logic regarding oaths, asking which is greater: the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold. He declares them "fools and blind" for prioritizing the less important, material aspect (the gold) over the sacred place (the temple) that gives the gold its religious significance. This question exposes their spiritual inability to discern true holiness and their valuing of wealth above the divine presence, revealing a deep corruption in their understanding.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?
KJV
King James Version · 1611Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You foolish ones and blind: which is greater, the gold, or the Temple which makes the gold holy?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Fools and blind! for which <FI>is<Fi> greater, the gold, or the sanctuary that is sanctifying the gold?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Ye foolish and blind: for whether is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple which sanctifies the gold?
Context
This verse immediately critiques the specific example of oath distortion presented in the preceding verse. Jesus presents a rhetorical question that highlights the absurdity and spiritual blindness of their reasoning concerning oaths by the temple and its gold. This direct challenge to their logic continues into the next few verses, which provide another similar example concerning the altar, aiming to fully expose their profound spiritual immaturity and flawed values.
v.16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, that say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor.
v.17This passage
v.18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 94:8
Consider, ye brutish among the people; And ye fools, when will ye be wise?
- Matthew 23:19
Ye blind: for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
- Numbers 16:38
even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Jehovah; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.
- Exodus 30:26
And thou shalt anoint therewith the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 23
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 23.
Devotionals
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Hypocrisy
The Bible consistently warns against hypocrisy, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and actions that align with one's beliefs.
Topic
Bible Verses About Justice
God’s perfect character and righteous standards guide all justice, which we are called to pursue in our lives and communities.
Topic
Bible Verses About Pride
Pride is a deep-seated human failing that God consistently opposes, yet it has devastating consequences for those who embrace it.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Can't Sleep Because of Anxious Thoughts
Verses to read in bed when your mind won't stop.