Matthew 23:17

Fools that you are and blind! Which is the more important? The gold? Or the Temple which has given sacredness to the gold?

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

In Context

16Alas for you, you blind guides! You say ‘if any swear by the Temple, their oath counts for nothing; but, if anyone swears by the gold of the Temple, their oath is binding them’!

18You say, too, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, their oath counts for nothing, but, if anyone swears by the offering placed on it, their oath is binding on them’!

Read all of Matthew 23

Cross References

Psalms 94:8Take heed, you dullest of people; when will you be wise, you fools?

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 23:17