Matthew 23:18
What does Matthew 23:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 23:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 23:18 means
Jesus presents another example of the Pharisees' distorted oath system, paralleling the previous one. They taught that swearing by the altar itself was not binding, but swearing by the sacrificial gift placed upon it *was* binding. This reveals a consistent pattern of elevating the material offering, which holds temporary value, above the sacred instrument (the altar) which has enduring spiritual significance and is consecrated by God. This further exposes their spiritual blindness and misplaced values.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, he is a debtor.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And, Whoever takes an oath by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever takes an oath by the offering which is on it, he is responsible.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`And, whoever may swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever may swear by the gift that is upon it--is debtor!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is a debtor.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it is a debtor.
Context
Continuing the third woe against "blind guides" and their perverted teaching on oaths, this verse provides a second, parallel example involving the altar and its gift. This reinforces the pattern established in verse 16 regarding the temple and its gold, further demonstrating their consistent error in prioritizing material things over things sanctified by God. This repetition sets the stage for Jesus' direct logical refutation in the next verse, followed by His definitive clarification of all oaths.
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