Keraia
Matthew 23

Matthew 23:17

Woes to Scribes and Pharisees · Matthew 23:1–36
Read Matthew 23

Translations

Modern
You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred?
Traditional
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?
Literal
Foolish and blind ones! For which is greater: the gold, or the temple having sanctified the gold?
Latin
Stulti et cæci: quid enim majus est? aurum, an templum, quod sanctificat aurum?

Original

Greek
English
You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred?

Notes

Matthew 23:16–22

The religious leaders said that some oaths were less binding, and this allowed them to deceive people. But Jesus called for honesty and for keeping every commitment (see Matthew 5:33–37).

Matthew 23:13–36

Matthew gathered seven warnings of sorrow to come (literally woe to you) inspired by similar Old Testament lists (Isaiah 5:8–23; Habakkuk 2:6–20). Matthew arranged them to reach a climax with the killing of the prophets.

Events

Parallels

Luke 11:37–54

Glossary

Curse, Cursed Gehenna Gospel of Matthew Hell Jesus Christ, Teachings of Moses’ Seat Scribe Sin Son of Man Tradition

Topics

Blindness: Spiritual Church: Corruption In Ecclesiasticism: Jewish, Rebuked by Jesus Fools: Pharisees Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Hypocrites: Wilfully Blind Oaths: The Jews: Fell Into Many Errors Respecting Pharisees: Hypocrisy of, Reproved by Jesus Satire of Jesus Against Hypocrites Teachers: False: Admonition Against Temple: Solomon's: Holiness of Temple: Solomon's: Jews Swore By The Pharisees: Christ: Called Fools and Blind Guides The Pharisees: Christ: Denounced Woes Against