Matthew 23:20
What does Matthew 23:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 23:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 23:20 means
Jesus clarifies the true nature of an oath made by the altar: anyone swearing by the altar is, by implication, also swearing by everything upon it, including the sacrifices. This statement corrects the Pharisees' erroneous distinction, emphasizing that the sanctity of the altar extends to all that is ritually connected with it. It underlines the indivisible nature of sacred objects and their associated elements, affirming the binding nature of all such oaths.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He, then, who takes an oath by the altar, takes it by the altar and by all things on it.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`He therefore who did swear by the altar, doth swear by it, and by all things on it;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He therefore that sweareth by the altar sweareth by it and by all things that are upon it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He therefore that swears by the altar swears by it and by all things that are upon it.
Context
Having condemned the Pharisees' selective and distorted understanding of oaths, this verse marks a crucial turning point where Jesus begins to clarify the correct understanding. It moves from refutation to direct instruction, explaining that an oath by the altar implicitly includes all things on it. This establishes the principle of comprehensive holiness, leading into the explanation of oaths by the temple and heaven, thereby presenting a unified and true perspective on sacred vows.
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.