[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?
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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?
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
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: