Matthew 23:20
He, then, who takes an oath by the altar, takes it by the altar and by all things on it.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
In Context
19You blind ones: which is greater, the offering, or the altar which makes the offering holy?
21And he who takes an oath by the Temple, takes it by the Temple and by him whose house it is.
Cross References
Hebrews 6:16For men at all times make their oaths by what is greater; and any argument is ended by the decision of the oath.
Matthew Henry on Matthew 23:14-34
The Crimes of the Pharisees. 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make… Read the whole commentary →