King James Version

What Does Matthew 23:21 Mean?

Matthew 23:21 in the King James Version says “And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.”

Matthew 23:21 · KJV

Context

19

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

20

Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon .

21

And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.

22

And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon .

23

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. anise: Gr. dill

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein—the verb katoikounti (κατοικοῦντι, dwelling) is a present participle describing God's continuous habitation in the Temple. Jesus's argument climaxes: swearing by the Temple invokes God Himself, who dwells there. The phrase en autō kai en tō katoikounti auton (ἐν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐν τῷ κατοικοῦντι αὐτόν) links the physical structure inseparably to the divine presence inhabiting it.

The Temple's holiness derived entirely from God's shekinah glory dwelling there (1 Kings 8:10-11). To swear by the Temple while claiming not to invoke God was theological nonsense—the building's significance was God's presence, nothing else. Jesus exposes the Pharisees' pretense: they wanted to appear religious (swearing by holy things) while avoiding accountability to God. Tragically, within 40 years, God would abandon this Temple (Matthew 23:38), and Rome would destroy it (Matthew 24:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Solomon's Temple and its Second Temple successor (expanded by Herod) represented God's earthly dwelling place among His people. The Holy of Holies contained the Ark (in Solomon's Temple) or was empty (in the Second Temple), yet God's presence still sanctified the structure. Psalms 27:4, 132:13-14 celebrate God dwelling in His sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do people today invoke God's name religiously while avoiding submission to His authority?
  2. What does God's dwelling in the Temple teach about the incarnation—God dwelling in Christ's body (John 2:21)?
  3. Why is it impossible to separate sacred symbols from the God they represent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ὁ2 of 14
G3588

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

ὀμνύει3 of 14

“sweareth”

G3660

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

ἐν4 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

τῷ5 of 14
G3588

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

ναῷ6 of 14

“the temple”

G3485

a fane, shrine, temple

ὀμνύει7 of 14

“sweareth”

G3660

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

ἐν8 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

αὐτόν9 of 14

“it”

G846

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

καὶ10 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐν11 of 14

“by”

G1722

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

τῷ12 of 14
G3588

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

κατοικοῦντι13 of 14

“him that dwelleth”

G2730

to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)

αὐτόν14 of 14

“it”

G846

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

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 23:21 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 23:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 26:81 Kings 8:132 Chronicles 6:2Colossians 2:9Ephesians 2:222 Chronicles 7:2

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