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

Matthew 23:17

Layers of condemnation, from Jesus, towards the religious leaders of His era. Pronouncing God’s judgment on these men, Jesus repeatedly describes them as “blind” and “hypocrites.” Convincing others of their views only adds victims to hell.


You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? ( That argue after so ridiculous a manner, that make use of such thin dishonesty, that everybody may see through it; who must be stupid and drunk to the last degree, and their minds foolishly blinded with greed; as to please and satisfy themselves: with so poor a distinction; that would by no means serve them, but make against them:) You also say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gift on the altar is bound by that oath.’ You blind men!

Matthew 23:17-19

God’s sacred temple, to be sure: for that was the seat of the divine majesty; built for Jesus to dwell in, and in which he took up his residence; and was dedicated to his service, and in it was divine worship performed unto him. The temple was sanctified by the presence of God in it; and the gold sanctified by the temple, being devoted to the service of it: whatever holiness it had, it had it from the temple, and therefore the temple must be greater than that; and consequently it must be most extravagantly ridiculous and foolish in them, to make oaths by the gold of the temple, and gifts dedicated to its service, and on that score sanctified by it, more binding and sacred than such as were by the temple itself.