King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:16 Mean?

Matthew 23:16 in the King James Version says “Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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!

Matthew 23:16 · KJV


Context

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 him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

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!

17

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

18

And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. guilty: or, debtor, or, bound


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
Οὐαὶ1 of 24

Woe

G3759

woe

ὑμῖν2 of 24

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὁδηγοὶ3 of 24

guides

G3595

a conductor (literally or figuratively (teacher))

τυφλοὶ4 of 24

ye blind

G5185

opaque (as if smoky), i.e., (by analogy) blind (physically or mentally)

τοῦ5 of 24

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λέγοντες6 of 24

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

ὃς7 of 24

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν8 of 24
G302

whatsoever

ὀμόσῃ9 of 24

shall swear

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ἐν10 of 24

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῦ11 of 24

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναοῦ12 of 24

of the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

οὐδέν13 of 24

nothing

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐστιν·14 of 24

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὃς15 of 24

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

δ'16 of 24

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἂν17 of 24
G302

whatsoever

ὀμόσῃ18 of 24

shall swear

G3660

to swear, i.e., take (or declare on) oath

ἐν19 of 24

by

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῦ20 of 24

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χρυσῷ21 of 24

the gold

G5557

gold; by extension, a golden article, as an ornament or coin

τοῦ22 of 24

which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ναοῦ23 of 24

of the temple

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ὀφείλει24 of 24

he is a debtor

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 23:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 23:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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