Key Verse Spotlight
Matthew 23:18 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. "
Matthew 23:18
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
Woe 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!
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
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From This Chapter
Matthew 23:1
"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,"
Matthew 23:2
"Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:"
Matthew 23:3
"All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not."
Matthew 23:4
"For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."
Matthew 23:5
"But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,"
Matthew 23:6
"And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,"
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