Bible Compass
Log inGet started
Back to the chapter

Matthew 23:19

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

18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’

You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred?

20 So then, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

21 And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it.

Read the whole chapter

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes it sacred?
KJV
Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
WEB
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
ASV
Ye blind: for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?
DARBY
[Fools and] blind ones, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar which sanctifies the gift?
BLB
Blind ones! For which [is] greater: the gift, or the altar sanctifying the gift?
ÅB
Dere er blinde! Hva er størst; offergaven eller alteret som gjør gaven hellig?
OTB
Dere blinde! Hva er viktigst: gaven, eller alteret som gjør gaven hellig?
B1930
I blinde! hvad er størst, offergaven, eller alteret som helliger gaven?

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Exodus 29:37

    For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will become most holy; whatever touches the altar will be holy.

    Read in context

  • Exodus 30:29

    You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.

    Read in context