Matthew 23:20
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὖν
Whoso therefore
G3767
οὖν
Whoso therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θυσιαστηρίῳ
the altar
G2379
θυσιαστηρίῳ
the altar
Strong's:
G2379
Word #:
6 of 15
a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
αὐτοῦ·
it
G846
αὐτοῦ·
it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπάνω
G1883
Historical Context
Jewish oath-taking developed complex traditions beyond biblical commands. The Mishnah (compiled AD 200 but reflecting earlier oral traditions) devoted entire tractates (Shebuot, Nedarim) to oath regulations. Jesus's teaching cut through this complexity, insisting on simple honesty that needs no oaths (Matthew 5:33-37).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does complexity in religious rules often serve dishonesty rather than righteousness?
- How does Jesus's logic expose the hollowness of the Pharisees' oath system?
- What does this verse teach about the interconnected nature of sacred things?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon—the particle oun (οὖν, therefore) introduces Jesus's logical conclusion from verses 18-19. The phrase omnuei en autō kai en pasin tois epanō autou (ὀμνύει ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ, swears by it and by all things upon it) establishes an inseparable unity: altar and offerings form one sacred whole.
Jesus dismantles Pharisaic casuistry by showing its internal contradiction. If the altar sanctifies what's on it, then swearing by the altar implicitly invokes everything associated with it, including the gifts. Their artificial distinction collapses under scrutiny. More fundamentally, Jesus is preparing the final blow (verse 22): all oaths ultimately invoke God Himself, making evasive distinctions meaningless. The Pharisees' elaborate oath hierarchy was theological fraud, allowing them to lie while appearing righteous.