Matthew 23:24

KJV

[Ye] blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye blind {G5185} guides {G3595}, which strain at {G1368} a gnat {G2971}, and {G1161} swallow {G2666} a camel {G2574}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Blind guides! -- straining out a gnat, meanwhile swallowing a camel!

Berean Standard Bible

You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

American Standard Version

Ye blind guides, that strain out the gnat, and swallow the camel!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 23:24, Jesus delivers a scathing indictment against the Scribes and Pharisees, labeling them "blind guides" who meticulously observe trivial religious rules while flagrantly disregarding the weightier moral and ethical demands of God's law. This memorable hyperbole of "straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel" vividly exposes their profound hypocrisy, spiritual blindness, and distorted priorities, highlighting a legalistic approach to faith that prioritizes outward conformity over genuine righteousness and love.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the powerful and extended series of "woes" that Jesus pronounces against the Scribes and Pharisees in [Matthew chapter 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees"). These denunciations begin in [Matthew 23:13](/matthew/23-13 "Matthew 23:13 - Shutting the Kingdom") and continue through [Matthew 23:36](/matthew/23-36 "Matthew 23:36 - All These Things Will Come"). Immediately preceding [Matthew 23:24](/matthew/23-24 "Matthew 23:24 - Blind Guides and Misplaced Priorities"), Jesus condemns the religious leaders in [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Tithing and Neglecting Justice") for their scrupulous tithing of even the smallest herbs (mint, anise, and cummin) while simultaneously neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness." Verse 24 serves as a vivid, hyperbolic illustration of this exact point, emphasizing their misplaced priorities and profound spiritual blindness, acting as a memorable punchline to the preceding accusation. The entire chapter functions as a climactic exposé of religious hypocrisy, contrasting external piety with internal corruption.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the Pharisees, placed a high value on adherence to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions that had developed around it. Purity laws were paramount, dictating what could be eaten, touched, and how one could remain ritually clean. Insects like gnats were considered unclean according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:20-23](/leviticus/11-20-23 "Leviticus 11:20-23 - Unclean Flying Insects")), and meticulous Jews would strain their drinking water or wine through cloth to avoid accidentally ingesting even the smallest insect, which would render them ritually defiled. This practice, though rooted in a desire for purity, could become an obsessive focus on the minute details of the law. In stark contrast, camels were large animals explicitly declared unclean and forbidden for consumption by the Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:4](/leviticus/11-4 "Leviticus 11:4 - Camels are Unclean")). The image, therefore, presents a ludicrous scenario: someone painstakingly removing a tiny, ritually unclean gnat from their drink, only to then deliberately consume a massive, equally unclean camel. This cultural backdrop highlights the absurdity of the Pharisees' selective obedience and their prioritization of ceremonial minutiae over substantive moral and ethical principles.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully encapsulates several recurring themes throughout Jesus' ministry and the Gospel of Matthew. **Hypocrisy** is central, exposing the stark contrast between the religious leaders' outward show of piety and their inward moral corruption. They presented themselves as righteous guides, yet their actions revealed a deep spiritual disconnect, as Jesus warns against in [Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets"). This leads to the theme of **Misplaced Priorities**, where Jesus highlights their focus on trivial aspects of the law (straining out a gnat) while neglecting the "weightier matters" of justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Tithing and Neglecting Justice")). By calling them "blind guides," Jesus underscores their profound **Spiritual Blindness**, their inability to perceive true righteousness, and their dangerous incapacity to lead others effectively, a warning echoed in [Matthew 15:14](/matthew/15-14 "Matthew 15:14 - Blind Guides Leading the Blind"). Finally, the verse critiques **Legalism versus True Righteousness**, demonstrating how an obsessive adherence to rules and traditions, devoid of genuine love for God and neighbor, ultimately misses the heart of God's law and leads to spiritual barrenness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blind (Greek, _typhlós'_):** From a root meaning "to smoke" or "to obscure," this word literally means opaque or smoky, and by analogy, blind. It can refer to physical blindness but is frequently used in the New Testament, especially by Jesus, to denote spiritual or intellectual blindness—an inability to perceive divine truth or moral reality. Here, it emphasizes the Pharisees' profound lack of spiritual insight despite their claims to guide others.
* **strain at (Greek, _diÿlízō'_):** Derived from "through" and "to filter," this verb means "to strain out" or "to filter thoroughly." The KJV's "strain at" is likely a misprint or an archaic usage, as the Greek clearly implies removing something from a liquid. It vividly depicts the meticulous effort the Pharisees put into avoiding even the smallest ritual impurity.
* **camel (Greek, _kámēlos'_):** Of Hebrew origin, this refers to the large desert animal. As an unclean animal under Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:4](/leviticus/11-4 "Leviticus 11:4 - Camels are Unclean")), its inclusion in this hyperbole dramatically contrasts with the gnat. The sheer size and uncleanness of the camel, compared to the tiny gnat, underscore the immense disproportion of the Pharisees' moral and spiritual priorities.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye blind guides":** Jesus begins with a direct and harsh accusation. Calling them "blind" (G5185, _typhlós_) directly challenges their self-proclaimed role as "guides" (G3595, _hodēgós_). A guide is meant to show the way, but if the guide is blind, they are incapable of leading others correctly, leading both themselves and their followers astray. This phrase immediately sets the tone for the severe critique of their spiritual leadership and moral discernment.
* **"which strain at a gnat":** This clause describes their meticulous, even obsessive, adherence to the minutiae of the law, particularly concerning ritual purity. The act of "straining out" (G1368, _diÿlízō_) a tiny "gnat" (G2971, _kṓnōps_) from their drink highlights their scrupulousness in avoiding even the smallest ceremonial defilement. It illustrates their focus on external, often trivial, regulations, demonstrating an extreme attention to detail in matters they deemed holy.
* **"and swallow a camel":** This is the shocking and hyperbolic climax of the metaphor. After painstakingly removing a tiny insect, they are depicted as "swallowing" (G2666, _katapínō_, meaning to gulp down or devour) a "camel" (G2574, _kámēlos_), a massive, unclean animal. This image powerfully conveys their gross inconsistency, their moral blindness, and their willingness to overlook colossal transgressions (like injustice, mercy, and faithfulness) while obsessing over minor ceremonial rules. The contrast between the gnat and the camel is designed to shock and expose the profound hypocrisy of their spiritual priorities.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 23:24 is rich in literary devices that amplify Jesus's condemnation. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, the deliberate exaggeration for emphasis. The image of straining out a gnat while swallowing a camel is physically impossible and ludicrous, designed to create a vivid and unforgettable picture of extreme disproportion. This hyperbole functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where the gnat represents the minor, ceremonial aspects of the law, and the camel symbolizes the "weightier matters" (justice, mercy, faith) that the Pharisees neglected. The entire statement is steeped in **Irony**, as those who claim to be spiritual guides and meticulously observe the law are shown to be spiritually blind and morally inconsistent. They are fastidious about trifles but careless about fundamentals, creating a stark and ironic contrast between their professed piety and actual practice. This use of vivid, memorable imagery makes Jesus's critique both cutting and enduring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly critiques a religious system that prioritizes external ritual and legalistic adherence over the internal transformation of the heart and the practice of genuine love and justice. The "blind guides" represent any spiritual leadership that, through misplaced priorities, leads people away from the true essence of God's will. Jesus consistently emphasized that true righteousness stems from a pure heart and manifests in actions of love, mercy, and justice, rather than mere outward conformity to rules. This passage serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of hypocrisy and the spiritual peril of focusing on the trivial while neglecting the foundational commands of God's character and kingdom. It underscores the New Covenant emphasis on inward transformation and a faith that expresses itself through love, rather than a rigid adherence to external regulations.

* [Luke 11:42](/luke/11-42 "Luke 11:42 - Neglecting Justice and Love")
* [Romans 2:17-24](/romans/2-17-24 "Romans 2:17-24 - Jewish Hypocrisy")
* [Galatians 3:1-3](/galatians/3-1-3 "Galatians 3:1-3 - Legalism vs. Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 23:24 calls us to a profound self-examination of our own spiritual priorities and practices. It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and traditions, asking whether our faith is genuinely rooted in the "weightier matters" of justice, mercy, and faithfulness, or if we are inadvertently "straining at gnats" while "swallowing camels" in our own lives. This verse warns against the insidious nature of legalism, which can lead us to judge others based on superficial adherence to rules while overlooking our own deeper moral failings. True spirituality is not about a checklist of dos and don'ts, but about a transformed heart that seeks to honor God authentically and love our neighbors genuinely. We are called to cultivate spiritual discernment, ensuring that our zeal is directed towards what truly matters to God—compassion, integrity, and a heartfelt pursuit of righteousness—rather than becoming entangled in trivialities or self-righteous displays.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "straining at gnats" (focusing on minor details or external appearances) while "swallowing camels" (neglecting more significant matters of justice, mercy, or faith)?**
* **How can I ensure that my religious practices are an outflow of a transformed heart, rather than a mere performance or adherence to rules?**
* **Am I quick to judge others for minor perceived failings while overlooking more substantial issues in my own life or community?**
* **What are the "weightier matters" of God's law that Jesus emphasizes, and how can I prioritize them more effectively in my daily walk?**

### FAQ

**What exactly does "strain at a gnat" mean, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The King James Version's "strain at a gnat" is an archaic translation. The original Greek (G1368, _diÿlízō_) more accurately means "to strain out" or "to filter out." In ancient Jewish culture, people would strain their drinks (like wine) through cloth to remove any impurities, including tiny insects like gnats. This was done to avoid ritual defilement, as even small insects were considered unclean according to Mosaic Law ([Leviticus 11:20-23](/leviticus/11-20-23 "Leviticus 11:20-23 - Unclean Flying Insects")). The significance lies in the Pharisees' meticulous, even obsessive, attention to these minor ceremonial details, demonstrating their extreme scrupulousness in outward religious observance.

**Why does Jesus use such a strange metaphor involving a gnat and a camel?**

Answer: Jesus uses this metaphor for its powerful **hyperbole** and **irony**. The gnat represents the smallest, most insignificant detail of ritual purity, while the camel represents a massive, equally unclean animal ([Leviticus 11:4](/leviticus/11-4 "Leviticus 11:4 - Camels are Unclean")). The image is intentionally absurd: to painstakingly filter out a tiny gnat from a drink, only to then deliberately consume a huge, forbidden camel. This stark contrast vividly illustrates the Pharisees' profound hypocrisy and misplaced priorities. They were scrupulous about minor religious traditions but shockingly negligent concerning the "weightier matters of the law" like justice, mercy, and faithfulness ([Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Tithing and Neglecting Justice")). It's a memorable way to expose their spiritual blindness and distorted moral compass.

**Is this verse only applicable to the Pharisees, or does it have broader relevance today?**

Answer: While Jesus's immediate audience was the Scribes and Pharisees, the principles embedded in [Matthew 23:24](/matthew/23-24 "Matthew 23:24 - Blind Guides and Misplaced Priorities") are timeless and universally applicable. The verse serves as a perpetual warning against **hypocrisy**, **legalism**, and **misplaced priorities** in any religious or spiritual context. It challenges believers across all generations to examine their own hearts and practices, ensuring that their faith is focused on genuine love for God and neighbor, justice, and mercy, rather than merely external observances, traditions, or trivial rules. It reminds us that God desires truth in the inward being ([Psalm 51:6](/psalm/51-6 "Psalm 51:6 - Truth in the Inward Being")) more than outward show.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 23:24](/matthew/23-24 "Matthew 23:24 - Blind Guides and Misplaced Priorities") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus's perfect embodiment of true righteousness, which stands in stark contrast to the legalism and hypocrisy he condemns. While the Scribes and Pharisees strained at gnats and swallowed camels, meticulously observing the letter of the law while neglecting its spirit, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law's true intent. He declared that he came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), not by rigid adherence to external minutiae, but by embodying perfect love for God and neighbor. Jesus consistently prioritized mercy over sacrifice ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Mercy Not Sacrifice")), demonstrated compassion for the marginalized, and lived out the "weightier matters" of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a righteousness not based on human effort or legalistic observance, but on his atoning work and grace. Through Christ, believers are freed from the burden of trying to earn salvation by straining at gnats, and instead are invited into a relationship founded on the transformative power of the Spirit, where love is the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). He is the true and perfect guide, whose spiritual vision is unclouded, leading us not into blind legalism, but into life abundant ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 19:24

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 27:6

And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.

Matthew 27:8

Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day.

Luke 6:7

And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.

Luke 6:10

And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Matthew 23:16

Woe unto you, [ye] blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

Matthew 7:4

Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam [is] in thine own eye?