Matthew 23:16-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 3: Blind Guides and Gold

Matthew 23:16-22 – Woe 3: Blind Guides and Gold

MT23:16 “WOE to you blind guides who say, ‘It is useless to swear by the Divine Habitat;[1] but if you make an oath[2] by the gold of the Divine Habitat it is binding.’ MT23:17 Blind morons,[3] which is greater: the gold or the Divine Habitat which has sanctified the gold? MT23:18 You also teach, ‘It is useless to make an oath by the [sacrificial] altar;[4] but, if you swear by the [sacrificial] gift on the altar it is binding.’ MT23:19 Blind men, which is greater: the altar of the gift sanctifying the altar? MT23:20 So, the person making an oath on the altar swears by it and by every [sacrifice] on it. MT23:21 Also, the one making an oath by the Divine Habitat swears by it and those who inhabit it.[5] MT23:22 Those who make oaths by heaven swear by the Throne of The God[6] and the One enthroned upon it.

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[1] Divine Habitat: The Greek is NAOS (NAON, NAO) and means literally a “god’s dwelling.” It is in contrast to HEIRON which means the whole Temple compound. Research temple for notes elsewhere. Or, KJV: temple; NEB: sanctuary.

[2] Oath: Jesus is not encouraging oaths. See the notes on Matthew 5:33-37 regarding the words swear and oath.

[3] Morons: The Greek is MOROI. Or, RSV: blind fools.

[4] [Sacrificial] altar: That is the altar of sacrifice located within courtyard of the Temple, outside the shrine itself.

[5] Those who inhabit it: Or, NEB: by him who swells there.

[6] Throne of The God: See Daniel 7:9-14 and Revelation chapter 4 (Isaiah 66:1).

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Preceding

Matthew 23:1-12 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Prominence and Humility

Matthew 23:13-14 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Shutting Up the Kingdom

Matthew 23:15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Woe 2: Evangelists of Gehenna

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