King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:17 Mean?

Matthew 23:17 in the King James Version says “Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 23:17 · KJV

Context

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

19

Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

Read Matthew 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?—Jesus uses mōroi kai typhloi (μωροὶ καὶ τυφλοί, fools and blind) to describe moral and spiritual stupidity, not intellectual deficiency. The Pharisees' casuistry about oaths inverted reality: they claimed swearing by Temple gold was binding, but swearing by the Temple itself was not. Jesus exposes this as absurdly irrational.

The verb hagiazōn (ἁγιάζων, sanctifying) reveals the theological error: the Temple, as God's dwelling place, consecrates everything in it—not vice versa. The gold derives its holiness from the Temple, which derives its holiness from God's presence. By prioritizing gold over Temple, they valued material wealth over divine presence. This materialistic reversal characterized Pharisaic theology: form over substance, ritual over righteousness, money over God. Their 'blindness' was willful ignorance of obvious truth.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pharisaic tradition developed elaborate casuistry about which oaths were binding. This allowed them to make promises while leaving loopholes for breaking them. Swearing 'by the Temple' could be dismissed as non-binding, but 'by the gold of the Temple' (perhaps referring to vessels or treasury) was considered binding—a distinction that served greed, not truth.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does prioritizing material offerings over devotion to God still occur in Christian practice?
  2. What modern religious casuistry creates loopholes to avoid straightforward obedience?
  3. Why does Jesus call this reasoning 'foolish' and 'blind' rather than merely mistaken?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
μωροὶ1 of 16

“Ye fools”

G3474

dull or stupid (as if shut up), i.e., heedless, (morally) blockhead, (apparently) absurd

καὶ2 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τυφλοί,3 of 16

“blind”

G5185

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

τίς4 of 16

“whether”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

γὰρ5 of 16

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

μείζων6 of 16

“greater”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

ἐστίν,7 of 16

“is”

G2076

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

ὁ8 of 16
G3588

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

χρυσόν;9 of 16

“the gold”

G5557

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

ἢ10 of 16

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ὁ11 of 16
G3588

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

ναὸς12 of 16

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ὁ13 of 16
G3588

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

ἁγιάζων14 of 16

“that sanctifieth”

G37

to make holy, i.e., (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate

τὸν15 of 16
G3588

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

χρυσόν;16 of 16

“the gold”

G5557

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

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 23:17 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 23:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 23:19Numbers 16:38-39Psalms 94:8Exodus 30:26-29

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 23 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes