Matthew 23:21 Meaning and Explanation
“And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus declares that swearing by the temple is swearing by God himself, who dwells within it.
What Does Matthew 23:21 Mean?
Continuing his correction, Jesus reminds his hearers what the temple truly is: the dwelling place of God. To invoke the temple in an oath is therefore to invoke the One who fills it with his presence. The building cannot be separated from the God who makes it holy.
This is the deepest answer to all their oath-splitting. Every sacred thing draws its meaning from God's presence behind it, so no vow touching holy things is ever made apart from him. To swear at all is to call God as witness, whether one names him or not. The lesson reaches every word we speak: we live always in God's presence, and our truthfulness is offered to the One who dwells with us and hears all.
Matthew 23:21 in the Original Language
katoikeo (κατοικέω), 'dwelleth' -- to make a permanent home, to settle and abide in a place.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 23:21
What does Matthew 23:21 mean?
Jesus declares that swearing by the temple is swearing by God himself, who dwells within it.