Matthew 23:16

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

“It is too bad for you blind leaders who say that whoever takes an oath ‘by the Temple,’ it does not [really] mean anything, but whoever takes an oath ‘by the gold of the Temple,’ he is obligated to [fulfill] the oath.

Cross References

Matthew 15:14

[So], let these Pharisees alone; they are blind leaders. And if a blind person leads a blind person, both of them will fall into a ditch.”

Matthew 23:13

“But it is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the Law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! [It is] because you withhold the kingdom of heaven from people, for you do not enter it yourselves, nor [do you] allow those who are trying to enter it to get in.

Matthew 23:17

You foolish, blind people! Which is greater, the gold or the Temple that makes its gold sacred?

Matthew 23:19

You blind people! Which is more important, the gift or the Altar that makes the gift sacred?

Matthew 23:24

You blind leaders, who strain out a [tiny] gnat [i.e., from your drinking water] and [yet] swallow a [whole] camel.

Matthew 23:26

You blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup and dish, so [then] the outside will be clean also.

Galatians 5:3

Yes, I declare to every person who attempts to require circumcision [as a means of gaining acceptance with God], that he must also obey everything else required by the Law of Moses.

James 5:12

But above everything else, my brothers, do not take oaths, not “by the heaven,” nor “by the earth,” nor by any other oath. But your “yes” should be [simply] “yes,” and your “no,” [simply] “no,” so you do not fall under condemnation.