Matthew 23:19

How foolish and blind you are! What is greater—the sacrifice, or the altar that makes the sacrifice holy?

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

In Context

18You say, ‘If you swear on the altar that doesn't count, but if you swear on the sacrifice that's on the altar, then you have to keep your oath.’

20If you swear by the altar, you swear by it and by everything that's on it.

Read all of Matthew 23

Cross References

Exodus 29:37For seven days you shall purify the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become completely holy, and everything that touches the altar will become holy.

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Matthew 23:19