Matthew 23:19
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
Original Language Analysis
μωροὶ
Ye fools
G3474
μωροὶ
Ye fools
Strong's:
G3474
Word #:
1 of 15
dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τυφλοί,
blind
G5185
τυφλοί,
blind
Strong's:
G5185
Word #:
3 of 15
opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)
τί
whether
G5101
τί
whether
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
5 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
μεῖζον
is greater
G3187
μεῖζον
is greater
Strong's:
G3187
Word #:
6 of 15
larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστήριον
the altar
G2379
θυσιαστήριον
the altar
Strong's:
G2379
Word #:
11 of 15
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγιάζον
that sanctifieth
G37
ἁγιάζον
that sanctifieth
Strong's:
G37
Word #:
13 of 15
to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate
Historical Context
The brazen altar in the Temple courtyard was where burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings were sacrificed. According to Torah, the altar was anointed and consecrated to God (Exodus 40:10), making it supremely holy. The Pharisees' teaching undermined this by prioritizing the gifts over the God-ordained altar.
Questions for Reflection
- How do religious systems today invert biblical priorities to serve institutional interests?
- What does the altar-sanctifying-gift principle teach about the source of holiness?
- Why is it 'foolish' and 'blind' to know Scripture yet twist it to serve selfish ends?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?—Jesus repeats His accusation mōroi kai typhloi (μωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί, fools and blind), emphasizing their culpable ignorance. The rhetorical question parallels verse 17's structure: the altar (thysiastērion, θυσιαστήριον) sanctifies the gift (dōron, δῶρον), not the reverse. The altar's holiness derives from God's ordained use of it for sacrifice—the gift becomes holy by contact with the holy altar.
This theological principle comes from Exodus 29:37: whatever touches the altar shall be holy. The Pharisees knew this Scripture but inverted its meaning to serve greed and dishonesty. By making gifts more binding than the altar, they could manipulate people into making larger offerings while excusing themselves from temple oaths. Jesus exposes how they distorted Scripture to rationalize sin while appearing pious—the essence of hypocrisy.