Matthew 23:17

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

Ye fools {G3474} and {G2532} blind {G5185}: for {G1063} whether {G5101} is {G2076} greater {G3187}, the gold {G5557}, or {G2228} the temple {G3485} that sanctifieth {G37} the gold {G5557}?

You blind fools! Which is more important? the gold? or the Temple which makes the gold holy?

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

Ye fools and blind: for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that hath sanctified the gold?

Context of Matthew 23:17

This verse is part of Jesus' scathing denunciation of the scribes and Pharisees, found in Matthew chapter 23. Specifically, it belongs to the third woe (verses 16-22), where Jesus confronts their distorted understanding of oaths. The religious leaders of Jesus' day taught that an oath sworn by the Temple itself was not binding, but an oath sworn by the gold *in* the Temple *was* binding. They prioritized the more valuable material (gold) over the sacred place that gave the gold its significance, revealing a profound spiritual and moral confusion.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spiritual Blindness and Hypocrisy: Jesus labels them "fools and blind" because they failed to grasp the fundamental principle that the Temple, as God's dwelling place, was inherently holy and imparted holiness to what was within it. Their judgment was skewed by material value rather than spiritual truth.
  • Misplaced Priorities: The core issue was their valuing of wealth (the gold) above the sacred institution (the Temple) that sanctified it. This reflected a deeper problem of prioritizing outward appearance and material gain over genuine spiritual reverence and integrity.
  • True Source of Sanctification: Jesus clarifies that it is the Temple (representing God's presence and holiness) that "sanctifieth the gold," not the other way around. This highlights that true holiness flows from God and His consecrated spaces, not from the inherent value of an object.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "fools" (Greek: moroi) and "blind" (Greek: typhloi) are strong condemnations, pointing to a severe lack of spiritual discernment. The word "sanctifieth" (Greek: hagiazo) means to make holy, set apart, or consecrate. Jesus emphasizes that the Temple's inherent sacredness is what consecrates the gold, not the gold’s intrinsic value. This exposes the Pharisees' inverted logic regarding religious oaths.

Practical Application

Matthew 23:17 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual blindness and misplaced priorities. It challenges us to examine where we place our value:

  • Do we prioritize outward show, material possessions, or human traditions over the true source of holiness and spiritual truth?
  • Are we, like the Pharisees, spiritually blind to the deeper realities of God's kingdom, focusing on the peripheral rather than the foundational?
  • This verse reminds us that genuine reverence comes from understanding God's nature and His holy presence, which then informs our actions and values. It calls us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that all other things will be added.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 23:19

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

  • Numbers 16:38

    The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates [for] a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.

  • Numbers 16:39

    And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad [plates for] a covering of the altar:

  • Exodus 30:26

    And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,

  • Exodus 30:29

    And thou shalt sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy.

  • Psalms 94:8

    Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise?

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