Matthew 23:18 Meaning
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
Context Explained
16Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!
17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
18And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
20Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
Key Themes
Related Cross References
Matthew 5:34
Earlier, Jesus teaches against swearing oaths, emphasizing truthfulness.
James 5:12
James echoes the teaching on oaths, urging believers to let their yes be yes.
Hebrews 6:16
The use of oaths in human dealings contrasts with God's unchanging promise.
Source: Matthew 23:18