King James Version
Matthew 23:20 in the King James Version says “Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon .” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon .”
Matthew 23:20 · KJV
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
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon .
And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.
And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon .
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the altar”
G2379a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“it”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
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.
Matthew 23:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.