Matthew 23:16
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!
Original Language Analysis
τυφλοὶ
ye blind
G5185
τυφλοὶ
ye blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
4 of 24
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγοντες
say
G3004
λέγοντες
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 24
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὃς
Whosoever
G3739
ὃς
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐδέν
nothing
G3762
οὐδέν
nothing
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
13 of 24
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
ὃς
Whosoever
G3739
ὃς
Whosoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 24
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρυσῷ
the gold
G5557
χρυσῷ
the gold
Strong's:
G5557
Word #:
21 of 24
gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin
Cross References
Matthew 15:14Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.Matthew 23:24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.Matthew 23:17Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?Matthew 23:26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.Matthew 23:19Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?James 5:12But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Historical Context
The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
- What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
- How should you share this truth with others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This text illustrates key Reformed principles: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide. The passage demonstrates how God's Word speaks authoritatively to human need, revealing both our depravity and God's merciful provision through Christ.