Devine Scripture

Matthew 23:21

What does Matthew 23:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 23:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 23:21 means

Extending His explanation of oaths, Jesus states that swearing by the temple signifies swearing not only by the physical structure but, more importantly, by God Himself who dwells within it. This clarifies that any oath made in connection with God's dwelling place ultimately invokes His divine presence and authority. It corrects the Pharisees' shallow view, emphasizing the spiritual reality behind the physical sanctuary and the direct implication of involving God in one's vows.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And he that sweareth by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he who takes an oath by the Temple, takes it by the Temple and by him whose house it is.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he who did swear by the sanctuary, doth swear by it, and by Him who is dwelling in it;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And whosoever shall swear by the temple sweareth by it and by him that dwelleth in it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he that swears by the temple swears by it and by him that dwells in it.

Context

Building on the clarification that an oath by the altar includes its contents, this verse applies the same principle to oaths involving the temple. It explains that swearing by the temple inherently includes God Himself, who dwells there. This continues Jesus' aim to provide a true and comprehensive understanding of sacred oaths, demonstrating that such vows ultimately refer to the divine, setting the stage for the ultimate oath: swearing by heaven itself.

v.20He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.

v.21This passage

v.22And he that sweareth by the heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ephesians 2:22

    in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

  • Psalms 132:13

    For Jehovah hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for his habitation.

  • Psalms 26:8

    Jehovah, I love the habitation of thy house, And the place where thy glory dwelleth.

  • 1 Kings 8:13

    I have surely built thee a house of habitation, a place for thee to dwell in for ever.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:2

    But I have built thee a house of habitation, and a place for thee to dwell in for ever.

  • Colossians 2:9

    for in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

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